Gwangju City to Hold 80th Liberation Day Anniversary Ceremony at Gwangju Station

Symbolizing History and the Future
Theme: "From Memory to Hope"

Invitation to the 80th Anniversary Celebration of Liberation Day. Provided by Gwangju City

On August 12, Gwangju City announced that it will hold the "80th Anniversary Celebration of Liberation Day" at Bitgoeul Startup Station at Gwangju Station on the morning of the 15th.

This year's event is themed "Gwangju's Time: From Memory to Hope," commemorating the spirit of anti-Japanese resistance and the legacy of democracy, while embracing challenges for the future. The ceremony is especially significant as it will be held at a site rich in historical meaning. The startup hub, established on the former luggage parking lot of Gwangju Station, is a location associated with the Gwangju Student Independence Movement, the 4·19 Revolution, and the 5·18 Democratization Movement. In June of this year, it was transformed into a youth entrepreneurship space.

The event will feature a variety of programs and will be attended by Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung, independence patriots, members of the National Assembly, and heads of local organizations. Through the commemorative video "Citizens' Memories and Hopes," the voices of citizens across generations and sectors will be shared. Notably, track and field athlete Lee Jaesung, families of anti-Japanese activists, and young entrepreneurs will participate, adding special significance to the event.

The highlight of the ceremony will be the awarding of presidential and mayoral commendations. A posthumous presidential commendation will be presented to the late Kim Haengjung, and three citizens who have contributed to regional development and support for veterans' families will receive mayoral commendations.

Performances by the CBS Boys and Girls Choir and the Bitgoeul Dancers will showcase the hopeful spirit of the younger generation. Through renditions of "Spring in My Hometown" and K-pop performances, the passion of the post-liberation generation will be expressed.

The city plans to broadcast the event live on its YouTube channel "Hello Gwangju" on the day of the celebration. In addition, from August 14 to 16, free public transportation will be provided to independence patriots and their families.

Jung Wonseok, Director of the Autonomous Administration Bureau, stated, "On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day, we hope many citizens will join us in celebrating the restoration of national sovereignty and honoring those who dedicated themselves to liberation. We ask for your interest and participation to make this event a bridge between Gwangju's past and future, and encourage everyone to display the national flag at home to share in the festive spirit."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.