The Resonance of Autumn at Imcheonggak: Veterans Music Concert Marks 80 Years of Liberation and 100th Anniversary of Seokju Lee Sangryong's State Councilorship

“Hearing the Nation's Future in the House of Independence”
Imcheonggak Rises Again as a Sacred Site of Veterans Affairs

As November deepens, a special resonance filled Imcheonggak in Andong, a sacred site of the independence movement where everything was devoted to the nation.

A Resonant Autumn at Imcheonggak: '80 Years of Liberation and 100th Anniversary of Seokju Lee Sangryong, State Councilor' Veterans Music Concert Held. Photo by Kwon Byunggun

In the year marking the 80th anniversary of Liberation and the 100th anniversary of Seokju Lee Sangryong's inauguration as State Councilor of the Provisional Government in Shanghai, the 'Imcheonggak Veterans Appreciation Music Concert' successfully concluded on the afternoon of the 22nd in the historic courtyard of Imcheonggak.

The event shed new artistic light on Seokju Lee Sangryong's noble life and his message that 'independence is the nation itself,' reaffirming that Imcheonggak is not just an old residence, but the starting point of Korea's veterans' affairs.

◆ Messages from the President, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, and Andong Mayor: Redefining the Meaning of Imcheonggak

At the venue, statements left by current government and local officials drew significant attention.

In particular, Kwon Oeul, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, highlighted the significance of the 100th anniversary of Seokju Lee Sangryong's inauguration as State Councilor in his commemorative address.

Minister Kwon Oeul stated, "Seokju Lee Sangryong opened the brightest path during the nation's darkest times. His spirit is the foundation of Korea's freedom and prosperity today. Centered on Imcheonggak, we will carry on the spirit of independence and build a nation where future generations can feel proud."

On that day, traces of the president's visit were mentioned again throughout Imcheonggak. President Lee, during his candidacy, wrote in the Imcheonggak guestbook, "We will not forget the sacrifices and dedication of our ancestors, and we will protect what we have today." This statement declared the national responsibility for the restoration of Imcheonggak and the inheritance of the spirit of independence.

Andong Mayor Kwon Gichang stated, "Imcheonggak is the birthplace of the independence movement and the root of Korea's national spirit. On the journey toward the 80th anniversary of Liberation, Andong will fulfill its role as the 'capital of the spirit of independence,' preserving and expanding the nation's roots."

Mayor Kwon further emphasized, "Through the restoration of Imcheonggak and the expansion of independence movement content, we will elevate Andong's historical value into a national brand."

◆ Performances by Jung Soora and Noh Sayoun: Reviving the Spirit of Independence Through Music

Beloved singers Jung Soora and Noh Sayoun took the stage for the celebratory performances, delivering deep emotion to the audience.

Jung Soora powerfully sang 'Ah! Korea,' expressing the nobility of the spirit of independence, while Noh Sayoun, through her performance of 'Wish,' conveyed the message that "today's peace stands on the sacrifices of our ancestors," receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The music that resonated beneath the late autumn tiles of Imcheonggak united the hearts of citizens and descendants, carrying a timeless sense of gratitude.

◆ 'The Resonance of Veterans Affairs' from Andong to the Nation: The First Signal for the 80th Anniversary of Liberation

This music concert is closely linked to the 'Imcheonggak Veterans Space Project' being promoted by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and Andong City.

In particular, the restoration of Imcheonggak, the strengthening of educational content on the independence movement, and the commemorative projects for State Councilor Lee Sangryong are all directly connected to the national projects planned for the 80th anniversary of Liberation in 2025.

On that day, traces of the president's visit were mentioned again throughout Imcheonggak. President Lee, during his candidacy, wrote in the Imcheonggak guestbook, "We will not forget the sacrifices and dedication of our ancestors, and we will protect them today." This statement declared the national responsibility for the restoration of Imcheonggak and the inheritance of the spirit of independence. Photo by Kwon Byunggeon

A local cultural official commented, "Imcheonggak was the starting point of the independence movement, and now it is the starting point for the future of veterans affairs. It is the best place to explain the meaning of liberation to the world and to future generations."

Sitting in the courtyard of Imcheonggak, one can hear history. Following the path left by our ancestors, it becomes clear how today's Korea stands where it does.

This year, as 80 years of Liberation and 100 years since the State Councilor's inauguration converge, the resonance reminds us once again that 'memory is the future.'