Mayor Lee Hyunjae: "Let Us Go Beyond Remembrance and Uphold the Responsibility to Put Its Meaning into Action"

Hanam City Holds 80th Liberation Day Ceremony
Reflecting on the Meaning of Liberation Through Music Connecting Generations
Unveiling Blueprints for the Future: Camp Colbern Site Development and Creation of K-Star World

Hanam City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Lee Hyunjae) held a ceremony commemorating the 80th Liberation Day on the morning of the 15th at the city hall annex auditorium, with over 400 citizens in attendance, reflecting on the historical significance of liberation.

Lee Hyunjae, Mayor of Hanam, and attendees are performing the three cheers for independence at the 80th Liberation Day ceremony held on the morning of the 15th at the city hall annex auditorium. Provided by Hanam City

The event was attended by a wide range of distinguished guests, including the chairperson of the Hanam City Council, local members of the National Assembly, provincial and city council members, heads and members of veterans' organizations, and leaders from various institutions and social groups. Prior to the main ceremony, an event was held to hoist a large Taegeukgi flag, featuring handprints made by participants of the 6th Taegeukgi Drawing Contest organized by the Hanam City chapter of the Korea Freedom Federation on July 18 at Hanam Sports Complex, on the flagpole in front of the March 1st Movement Memorial Monument at city hall. The ceremony proceeded in the following order: national ceremony, silent tribute, commemorative address by the head of the Hanam City chapter of the Liberation Association, awards for meritorious individuals, congratulatory speech by the mayor of Hanam, commemorative performances, and the three cheers for independence.

This year's ceremony was especially meaningful as it marked the 80th anniversary of liberation, held under the theme "Songs Connecting Generations, Singing of Liberation." The 80-year journey since liberation was expressed through music and stories from each era, with narration by Yoo Seungbong, head of the theater troupe Sajo, connecting the different periods.

The stage featured performances that spanned generations and genres, including a haegeum performance expressing the pain before liberation, a performance by veteran singer Nam Ilhae singing of hope during the postwar reconstruction period, a performance by the group MaumgwaMaum representing the era of emotion, a musical duet from Hongik University depicting the flourishing of culture, and a choral performance by soprano Shin Seunga and the youth musical group Superiore symbolizing a hopeful future. This series of performances, connecting the past, present, and future, moved the audience and received an enthusiastic response from citizens.

In his congratulatory address, Mayor Lee Hyunjae stated, "The 80-year history has reminded us of the value of freedom and the importance of putting it into practice," adding, "Now is the time to go beyond simple remembrance and carry on the responsibility and commitment to put its meaning into action."

The city announced that it is implementing various initiatives to enhance practical benefits for national merit recipients, including a veterans' budget of 7.7 billion KRW allocated for 2025 (an increase of 1.5 billion KRW from the previous year), a monthly veterans' honor allowance of 170,000 KRW, a monthly allowance of 70,000 KRW for spouses of deceased veterans, a condolence payment of 200,000 KRW for bereavement, and transportation support for seniors aged 70 and above.

The congratulatory address also outlined a vision for Hanam City's future.

Mayor Lee Hyunjae said, "We are firmly laying the foundation for sustainable urban growth through the development of the Camp Colbern site, the creation of 'K-Star World,' and the attraction of businesses and expansion of industrial infrastructure in Gyosan New Town." He added, "'K-Star World' is expected to attract 30 million tourists annually and create 30,000 jobs."

He also stated, "In connection with these projects, we will also promote the establishment of a National Garden, developing Hanam into a leading tourism district in the metropolitan area."

Additionally, he emphasized improvements in medical infrastructure with the attraction of Lotte Bobath Hospital and Yonsei Hanam Hospital, and highlighted the achievement of attracting 12 companies over the past three years, resulting in approximately 820 billion KRW in investment and the creation of over 2,000 jobs. He pledged, "We will become a central city of K-Culture in Korea, with a sustainable future where businesses can grow."

The event concluded with all attendees enthusiastically shouting the three cheers for independence, led by Lee Youngjae, head of the Hanam City chapter of the Liberation Association. Amid cheers and applause, the 80th Liberation Day ceremony came to a successful close.