Gumi Hosts Concert Commemorating the 117th Anniversary of Wangsan Heo Wi's Martyrdom

Connecting the Spirit of Wangsan Through Music
Honoring the Meaning of Independence in Song

On October 18, at the playground of Wangsan Elementary School in Imo-dong, Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, around 800 local residents gathered for the "Traveling Concert with Wangsan," an event commemorating the 117th anniversary of the martyrdom of Wangsan Heo Wi, a prominent local independence activist.

This event was part of the three-day Wangsan Cultural Festival, offering a special memorial stage that blended history and the arts.

Kim Jangho, Mayor of Gumi, Kim Ilsu, Gyeongbuk Provincial Council Member, and Kim Chunnam, City Council Member, are delivering congratulatory speeches. Photo by Kim Ihwan

More than just honoring Heo Wi’s spirit of independence, this concert became an opportunity to develop a local cultural event where residents enjoyed and carried on his legacy through music.

The venue was lively with a variety of side events, including a flea market, goods sales, and hands-on programs.

The main event began with a pre-show, followed by an opening ceremony, an awards ceremony for the winners of the 8th Wangsan Writing Contest, an opening performance, and a series of performances by singers, all of which received enthusiastic responses from the audience.

In particular, the musical "Wangsan, Stars That Became Mountains" performed by students from Seonju Elementary School and the opening performance by the Imo-dong Residents’ Autonomy Committee Choir were met with great acclaim.

Kim Joungho, Mayor of Gumi, stated, "A city full of romance and excitement is not just a slogan, but a new direction for Gumi’s cultural policy that we build together with citizens. Events like this, which connect the spirit of Wangsan through culture, are excellent examples of enhancing Gumi’s identity and pride."