Gwangju Seogu to Hold "80th Anniversary of Liberation" Commemorative Week from August 14 to 22

Peace and Human Rights Programs Including the Day of Remembrance

To mark the 80th anniversary of Liberation, Gwangju’s Seogu District will hold a commemorative week under the theme "From Memory to Peace" from August 14 to 22.

On August 12, Seogu District announced that it will host a variety of programs to remember the past and promote the values of peace and human rights, including the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Japanese Military Sexual Slavery, an oral history photo exhibition of victims of forced mobilization under Japanese rule, and the Good Seogu Peace Train.

On the first day of the commemorative week, the 14th, a wreath-laying ceremony for the "Day of Remembrance for Victims of the Japanese Military Sexual Slavery" will be held in front of the Statue of Peace at the Seogu Office Plaza. Provided by Gwangju Seogu Office

On the first day of the commemorative week, August 14, a wreath-laying ceremony for the "Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Japanese Military Sexual Slavery" will be held in front of the Statue of Peace at the Seogu Office Plaza. Around 30 participants, including the district mayor and senior officials, will pay tribute to the victims through a floral tribute and a moment of silence, honoring their pain and history.

During the commemorative week, the first floor of Seogu District Office will host the "Oral History Photo Exhibition of Victims of Forced Mobilization under Japanese Rule." This exhibition aims to convey the historical truth through vivid testimonies and photographs of the victims, and to raise residents’ awareness of history.

On August 22, the "#5·18 to 8·15, Good Seogu Peace Train Running with History" will take place. A total of 330 residents will depart from Gwangju Hyocheon Station at 6 a.m. and visit sites in the DMZ area of Paju, including the Third Tunnel and Dora Observatory, to experience the realities of division. Onboard the train, resident-participation programs such as a memory musical, peace melodies, and a nostalgic quiz show will be held.

Kim Ikang, Mayor of Seogu District, stated, "The 80th anniversary of Liberation is a meaningful year to reflect on our nation’s hardships, resilience, and hope for peace," adding, "I hope this commemorative week will be a time to remember the past and share peace with future generations."

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