Jeongeup-si to Hold 'Donghak Peasant Revolution Memorial Ceremony' at Memorial Park on the 11th

Published 02 May.2023 13:34(KST)

Jeongeup City in Jeonbuk announced on the 2nd that it will hold the ‘Donghak Peasant Revolution Commemoration Ceremony’ at the Donghak Peasant Revolution Memorial Park (hereafter Memorial Park) on the 11th, coinciding with Hwangtohyeon Victory Day, the national memorial day for the Donghak Peasant Revolution.

Jeongeup Government Office Exterior [Photo by Jeongeup City]

The city emphasized the significance of this year’s event being held in conjunction with the 129th National Commemoration Ceremony of the Donghak Peasant Revolution, a state memorial ceremony, for the first time.

At 11 a.m. on the day, the national commemoration ceremony will be held at the Memorial Park with the attendance of Park Bo-gyun, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The theme of the Donghak Peasant Revolution Commemoration Ceremony (hereafter Commemoration Ceremony) is ‘Blooming Mung Bean Flowers, Growing Peace.’

The theme embodies the spirit of promoting and inheriting the Donghak Peasant Revolution, as well as the determination to elevate the Donghak Peasant Revolution to a global historical revolution and contribute to world peace through solidarity and cooperation with revolutionary cities worldwide that rose for freedom, equality, and human dignity.

Marking its 56th year, the Commemoration Ceremony will include official events such as the memorial rites for the Gap-o martyrs at Gumin-sa Temple, the memorial service for the unknown Donghak Peasant Army soldiers, and the awarding of the Donghak Peasant Revolution Prize, along with meaningful events that reflect on the revolutionary spirit.

First, as a special planned event, a performance titled ‘The Shout of Donghak on That Day’ will be held at 5 p.m. on the same day at the outdoor special stage of the Memorial Park. This performance, involving 511 participants including students from the Jeongeup area and members of the municipal Gugak orchestra, commemorates May 11, Hwangtohyeon Victory Day, the national memorial day for the Donghak Peasant Revolution.

This performance reenacts the acts of the Ja-in Unit (才人部隊), which boosted the morale of the Donghak Peasant Army during the Battle of Hwangtohyeon.

Notably, this performance will be led by Mayor Lee Hak-su and will include participants from the ‘2nd World Revolutionary Cities Solidarity Conference’ held from the 9th to the 10th, such as Mayor Marcos Torres of Lima Alta Gracia City, Argentina, and Mayor Deirdre Ford of Cork City, Ireland, adding further significance.

The creative pansori performance is also attracting attention. Song Jae-young, a master singer and holder of the Jeonbuk Provincial Intangible Cultural Property for the pansori “Simcheongga,” will vividly perform the tense and fierce battle scenes of the Battle of Hwangtohyeon from the creative pansori ‘General Nokdu Jeon Bong-jun’ with his deep and husky voice.

In addition, various programs such as a drawing contest themed on the Donghak Peasant Revolution, a drone performance, and celebratory performances are prepared.

Mayor Lee Hak-su said, “May 11, the Donghak Peasant Revolution Memorial Day, is Hwangtohyeon Victory Day when the peasant army won their first victory against the government forces, and this revolution spread like wildfire across the country. Therefore, this year’s Commemoration Ceremony held in conjunction with the national memorial ceremony on such a meaningful national holiday is even more special.”

He added, “This year’s Commemoration Ceremony will not only solidify Jeongeup’s status as a revolutionary city but also serve as an opportunity for the revolutionary spirit to spread nationwide. We will meticulously prepare the event so that all citizens can reflect on the revolutionary spirit and the sacrifices of the peasant army, and so that the Donghak Peasant Revolution can be established as a global historical revolution.”