[Full Text] Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon's Liberation Day Commemorative Address

<Full Text of Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon's Liberation Day Commemorative Address>

To the 14.2 million respected residents of Gyeonggi Province,

To the independence patriots and their families,

We celebrate the meaningful and momentous 80th anniversary of Liberation.

Over the past 80 years, we have always looked to the history of Liberation as a guiding milestone

to find our way forward.

Whenever our nation faced crisis, whenever democracy was in danger,

the people of Korea rose with dignity

and opened the path that the Republic of Korea should follow.

I offer my heartfelt and deepest respect

to the patriotic martyrs and independence activists

who have bequeathed this great history to all of us.

Today, we are especially joined by independence activists from abroad and descendants of independence activists residing in Korea.

Traveling from afar to be here,

we welcome Vladislav Heo, grandson of activist Heo Wi of Wangsang,

Gye Tatiana, granddaughter of activist Gye Bongu, as well as Gye Olga, Park Yuri, and Kim Dmitri,

Ju Yongyong and Son Chubun, granddaughters of activist Lee Donghwa,

who have come from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and China.

On behalf of the 14.2 million residents of Gyeonggi Province, I extend my gratitude and warmest welcome.

Please join me in giving them a warm round of applause!

Descendants and families of domestic independence activists have also graced us with their presence.

Kim Heungtae, son of activist Oh Huiok, and his wife Yang Miyoung,

Kim Hodong, grandson of activist Kim Jongjin and head of the local branch of the Liberation Association,

and Ahn Giha, great-grandson of the uncle of patriot Ahn Junggeun, are here with us today.

I offer my deepest respect and gratitude.

Please welcome them with a warm round of applause as well!

In recent years,

there were times when it felt as if history was flowing backward.

There were those who, instead of honoring the history of independent sovereignty,

followed colonialist perspectives and even took public office.

On the 80th anniversary of Liberation, Gyeonggi Province has begun a journey to firmly establish the roots of our history

and fully revive the spirit of independence.

One of the milestones on this journey is the two calligraphic works left by Ahn Junggeun:

"Independence" and "Jangtanilseong Seonjoilbon."

Among the 60 or so verified calligraphic works by Ahn Junggeun,

these two most clearly express his anti-Japanese resolve.

The phrase "Jangtanilseong Seonjoilbon," meaning

"With a loud and long sigh, I offer my condolences in advance for the fall of Japan,"

embodies Ahn Junggeun's bold spirit.

Writer Kim Hoon, in his novel <Harbin>,

describes the moment Ahn Junggeun wrote his calligraphy in Lushun Prison as follows:

"When he dipped his brush in ink and drew a stroke,

the energy in his body surged onto the paper,

just as it did when he pulled the trigger to fire a bullet."

Gyeonggi Province has worked together with the Gyeonggi branch of the Liberation Association

to secure these calligraphic works, which had been in Japan.

As a result, the "Jangtanilseong Seonjoilbon" piece has been brought back to Korea,

and "Independence" will soon be returned to its homeland as well.

Gyeonggi Province will do its utmost to fully secure these works,

with the spirit of welcoming back the great ideals that rightfully belong to the Republic of Korea.

Alongside this, Gyeonggi Province will establish the "Ahn Junggeun Peace Center" at Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri in Paju,

the area closest to Ahn Junggeun's hometown of Haeju.

The secured calligraphic works will be displayed at the "Ahn Junggeun Peace Center,"

so that all citizens can honor the 'spirit of independence' written in blood,

and so that Ahn Junggeun's ideals and philosophy, including his "Theory of Peace in East Asia,"

will be carried on with integrity.

Respected residents, independence patriots, and their families,

After Ahn Junggeun's martyrdom,

countless people became "Ahn Junggeun" in their own right,

fighting against Japanese oppression and discrimination.

Gyeonggi Province was at the center of the anti-Japanese independence movement.

From the March 1st Movement to the day of Liberation,

Gyeonggi Province fought more fiercely than any of the 13 provinces nationwide.

Suwon was one of the seven cities where the March 1st Movement began.

On March 1, 1919, hundreds gathered at Suwon North Gate

and shouted "Long live Korean independence!"

At 8 p.m. that evening, torches were lit once again at the Bonghwadae beacon of Hwaseong Fortress,

and the cries for independence resonated throughout the area.

<The Independence News> in Shanghai recorded Suwon's independence movement as

"as fierce as the March 1st Independence War,"

and described the demonstrators as "independence fighters."

Afterward, the independence movement spread even more vigorously throughout Gyeonggi Province.

On April 1, in Wongok-myeon and Yangseong-myeon of Anseong, thousands participated in the struggle,

achieving the small miracle of "two days of liberation."

At the heart of the most intense armed and militant struggles

stood independence activists from Gyeonggi Province.

Kim Iksang, who carried out the 1921 bombing of the Japanese Governor-General's Office,

Lee Suheung, who led armed anti-Japanese resistance in Seoul, Icheon, and Anseong in 1926,

Lee Seonryong, who raided the Dongil Bank in Janghowon in 1932 to raise military funds,

and Jo Moonki of the Korean Patriotic Youth Party, who led the "Bumin Hall Incident,"

the last recorded militant struggle in 1945,

are all proud independence activists from Gyeonggi Province.

The Japanese colonial authorities feared the unyielding will for independence among Gyeonggi residents.

Even 16 years after the March 1st Movement, in 1935,

records show that at least 4 out of every 10 Gyeonggi residents

continued to display unwavering anti-Japanese resolve.

There are more than 350 sites related to the anti-Japanese independence movement in Gyeonggi Province.

All 31 cities and counties bear witness to the fierce struggle for independence up to the day of Liberation.

Gyeonggi Province will establish an Independence Memorial Hall

to collect records of the anti-Japanese struggle from across the province,

and to honor all those who devoted their lives and families for Liberation.

Respected residents, independence patriots, and their families,

Gyeonggi Province is doing its utmost to realize the final declaration of the Declaration of Independence:

"We will move forward vigorously and uprightly toward the bright light."

Through industrialization, democratization, and the foreign exchange crisis,

Gyeonggi Province has continuously turned crises into opportunities.

As a result, today Gyeonggi Province has grown into the largest local government in Korea,

leading the future of the Republic of Korea in both name and reality.

Gyeonggi Province is the center of Korea's economy and industry.

It has attracted research centers from all four of the world's leading semiconductor equipment companies,

and more venture companies than any other region in the country

are taking on challenges that reach beyond Korea to the world.

Now, as we mark the 80th anniversary of Liberation,

with the launch of a government based on popular sovereignty,

Gyeonggi Province is being given new opportunities and new roles.

As the "primary partner in national governance,"

Gyeonggi Province will fully utilize its prepared vision and accumulated capabilities

in cooperation with the government of popular sovereignty.

First, we will achieve development in northern Gyeonggi,

which has long suffered from division.

On August 15, 1945, the day of Liberation,

cheers of freedom rang out across the villages and fields of Gyeonggi Province.

Liberation was an opportunity to build a nation that is equal, democratic,

and prosperous for all.

However, in northern Gyeonggi, where the joy of Liberation was shared,

the 38th parallel was drawn right through the middle of villages.

The Korean War placed Gyeonggi Province at the center of the front line,

leaving behind countless sacrifices and wounds.

The border areas of northern Gyeonggi had to endure sacrifices for national security.

Whenever inter-Korean relations became tense,

it was the residents of these border areas who bore the brunt of the damage.

The sacrifices and pain of northern Gyeonggi, serving as a "security breakwater,"

became the foundation for Korea's prosperity and development.

Just as the joy and exhilaration of Liberation belonged to all of us,

so too must prosperity be shared by all.

Gyeonggi Province is transforming northern Gyeonggi from a "land of regulation"

into a "land of opportunity."

The newly inaugurated government of popular sovereignty is creating a new turning point in the development of returned U.S. military bases.

In line with the new government's principle of "special compensation for special sacrifice,"

Gyeonggi Province will ensure the development of returned bases proceeds smoothly,

reflecting the demands of local residents and the unique characteristics of the region.

The development of northern Gyeonggi is more than just regional development.

We will resolve imbalances in the Seoul metropolitan area,

and create new engines of growth for the Republic of Korea.

Second, we will be a strong "pillar" and "catalyst" for people's livelihoods and the economy.

To proactively respond to U.S.-driven tariff pressures,

Gyeonggi Province has operated an "export breakwater" for small and medium-sized exporters since January.

Thankfully, the uncertainty has been somewhat alleviated by the conclusion of Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations.

Now, with tariffs from the U.S. becoming a reality and causing difficulties,

we will protect and strengthen the foundation of our economy through special support programs

for small and medium-sized export companies in the province.

The "100 trillion won investment attraction" pledge during my term

is aimed at creating jobs and future growth engines.

So far, we have attracted 91 trillion won in investments, focusing on advanced strategic industries.

We will keep this promise within this year,

and even exceed it within my term.

We have also led Korea's economic transformation through the "climate economy."

With climate insurance covering all 14.2 million residents, Gyeonggi RE100,

"zero maintenance fee apartments," and other diverse and creative climate policies,

we have taken the lead in turning the climate crisis into an opportunity for growth.

In June, we launched the nation's first "Climate Citizens' Assembly"

so that residents can become the main agents in responding to the climate crisis.

I hope that the sense of efficacy and accomplishment residents gain from the "Climate Citizens' Assembly"

will become the driving force for the development of direct democracy and a "citizens' council."

Gyeonggi Province has turned new challenges into opportunities,

and has walked paths untrodden by others.

Transforming our economy, which is specialized in free trade,

advancing industries and diversifying export markets,

overcoming the climate crisis and transitioning to a climate economy,

these are all the paths we must take for the sustainable development of Korea.

Gyeonggi Province, the largest local government and the heart of high-tech industry,

will stand at the forefront of this journey.

Third, we will establish and expand innovative policies that improve quality of life.

Gyeonggi Province has brought about changes that enhance the quality of life for every resident.

We have launched "opportunity income" for artists, people with disabilities, farmers and fishers, athletes,

and for child care and climate action,

who have created social value but have not received fair compensation.

So far, 1.45 million residents have benefited from opportunity income.

Through the "The Gyeonggi Pass," we are supporting the mobility of 1.4 million residents.

This year, Gyeonggi Province became the first in the nation

to fully launch a "4.5-day workweek pilot program."

This is an ambitious challenge to increase labor productivity while achieving work-life balance.

Since the new government is pursuing a similar direction,

Gyeonggi Province will take the lead to ensure this spreads nationwide.

We have also established a comprehensive "360-degree care" system

so that anyone, anytime, anywhere can receive the care they need.

This year, we introduced the "Care SOS Project" for the first time among local governments.

This is to address the hardship and tragedy of a family's life coming to a halt

when a single person falls ill.

The basic rights and dignified lives of our people

cannot be left solely to the "invisible hand" of the market.

The "warm hand" of Gyeonggi Province, the nation, and our neighbors is needed.

Gyeonggi Province will spare no effort for a better life for all residents,

without stopping or hesitating.

We will further broaden the path to a country where not only the state is advanced,

but also the lives of its people are advanced.

Respected residents, independence patriots, and their families,

The Republic of Korea is a nation whose people are strong.

It is a country that has overcome Japanese colonial rule, war, absolute poverty, dictatorship,

illegal martial law, and insurrection through the power of its people.

I envision the Republic of Korea 20 years from now, on the centennial of Liberation.

A country where each citizen can realize their potential through a robust economy and strong livelihoods,

a country that leads global peace based on solid peace at home,

a country where all regions develop evenly and in balance,

a country where income and wealth are distributed fairly and the gap between rich and poor is bridged,

and, above all, a country where honesty, diligence, and hard work are properly rewarded.

The Republic of Korea will surely move toward that nation.

If we join forces,

we can go farther and stronger than ever before.

Gyeonggi Province, hand in hand with all 14.2 million residents,

will move forward unwaveringly toward the centennial of Liberation.

I offer my boundless respect to the patriotic martyrs and independence activists

who have bequeathed us the courage to strive for a better world.

With our shared pride and confidence,

let us march vigorously toward the Republic of Korea at the centennial of Liberation.

Let us move forward, straight and strong, only toward the bright light.

Thank you.

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