Gimpo Hosts 80th Liberation Day Ceremony
Citizens Take the Lead in Reviving the Spirit of Independence Across Generations
Gimpo City in Gyeonggi Province drew attention by holding a Liberation Day event in which approximately 400 citizens took the lead in commemorating the occasion. The city has opened all national holiday events to the public every year, allowing every citizen to participate.
Kim Byungsu, Mayor of Gimpo, is delivering a congratulatory speech at the 80th Liberation Day Celebration held at Gimpo Art Hall on the 15th. Photo by Gimpo City
The 80th Liberation Day Celebration, held at Gimpo Art Hall on the 15th, marked a significant change by going beyond mere citizen attendance. Local organizations performed the Liberation Day song on stage, and Gimpo's youth led the "Banzai" cheers, transforming the event into a participatory celebration.
Since Mayor Kim Byungsu took office, Gimpo City has prioritized efficiency over protocol and substance over form in all its events. Since the launch of the 8th popularly elected administration, the Liberation Day event has evolved from a closed gathering of officials to one that is open to the public, with citizens not only attending but also actively participating.
The ceremony began with the introduction of members of the Liberation Association, followed by the national pledge, commemorative speeches, awards for distinguished individuals, congratulatory remarks, celebratory performances, the singing of the Liberation Day song, and the "Banzai" cheers. On this day, awards were presented to Yoo Manbok, a descendant of the late independence activist Yoo Yeonbong, and Oh Hongguk, a descendant of the late Oh Yoseop.
Notably, many citizens became the main participants on stage, commemorating Liberation Day together. Members of local organizations from Gochon-eup sang the Liberation Day song, while youth from Gimpo's youth self-governing bodies led the "Banzai" cheers, recreating the passionate cries for national liberation from 80 years ago.
In his commemorative speech, Mayor Kim Byungsu highlighted Gimpo's achievements in transportation, urban development, education, and tourism, stating that Gimpo has now become the most prominent city in South Korea.
In his speech, Mayor Kim stated, "Gimpo City has laid the groundwork to become a metropolis of 700,000 people, achieving major milestones such as the confirmed extension of Seoul Subway Line 5 to Gimpo, the designation of the Gimpo Hangang 2 Compact City district, and selection as a leading area for special educational development. Our enhanced policies for honoring distinguished individuals were recognized in June, when the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs awarded us a plaque for excellence in honoring patriots. The 'Hyo Dream Table,' a lunch program for seniors aged 75 and older, has become a signature welfare policy of Gimpo City, receiving enthusiastic support from many seniors."
He continued, "All these changes and developments were made possible thanks to the active participation and support of our citizens. You are at the center of a city administration that citizens can feel and lead. The meaning of liberation is the inheritance of spirit across generations, and true patriotism is building a better tomorrow by carrying on the will of our forebears. Just as today's Gimpo stands on the sacrifices of yesterday, tomorrow's Gimpo will be built on the hope we create together."
Meanwhile, after the ceremony, Mayor Kim Byungsu visited the Gimpo Media Art Center with members of the Gimpo Liberation Association to view the media art piece "Echoes Beyond Time," which focuses on Gimpo's independence activists, reflecting on their legacy and the meaning of liberation.
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