Cheers of "Manse" from 80 Years Ago Echo with Remembrance and Gratitude at Gyeongnam's 80th Liberation Day Ceremony

The resounding cheers of "Manse" that have echoed for 80 years rang out once again at the 80th Liberation Day Celebration Ceremony of Gyeongnam Province, serving as a response filled with remembrance and gratitude.

On August 15, Liberation Day, Gyeongnam Province commemorated the day the nation regained its light at the Changwon Convention Center, together with over 500 participants including bereaved families of independence activists, heads of veterans’ organizations, and local residents.

The 80th Anniversary of Liberation Celebration Ceremony was held at the Changwon Convention Center in Gyeongnam under the theme "A Ray of Light, Eighty Years of Response." Photo by Se Ryeong Lee

The Liberation Day celebration began with a traditional Korean percussion performance by Cheongeum and was held under the theme "A Ray of Light, Eighty Years of Response."

Attendees sang the national anthem together with descendants of independence activists, reflecting on the values of freedom and independence that were protected through blood and sacrifice.

Using artificial intelligence (AI) restoration technology, the faces of independence activists were vividly brought back to life on a large screen, allowing participants to feel the spirit of those who dedicated their youth to the nation during the Japanese colonial period.

Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province (center), is shouting "Banzai" at the 80th Liberation Day Celebration. Provided by Gyeongnam Province

The Gyeongnam Provincial Arts Troupe presented a performance that combined theater and video to depict a hopeful future after liberation, while the Little Singers elevated the meaning of liberation through an artistic performance centered on the Taegeukgi (Korean national flag).

In the event lobby, gratitude letters written by children, university students, and office workers, a list of independence activists from Gyeongnam, Taegeukgi flags used at the time, and messages from descendants were displayed.

At the 80th Anniversary of Liberation Celebration Ceremony in Gyeongnam Province, Lee Youngjun (center), descendant of independence activist the late Lee Yongtaek, and Lee Youngchan, descendant of independence activist the late Lee Jangwoo, received the Order of Merit on their behalf. Provided by Gyeongnam Province

During the ceremony, the Order of Merit for National Foundation was posthumously awarded to the late Lee Yongtaek, who endured imprisonment in 1932 for organizing a shop clerks’ association at Hwasein Store as part of the New Society Reconstruction Movement, and to the late Lee Jangwoo, who was arrested and imprisoned by Japanese authorities in 1940 while preparing to form an independence movement organization in Tokyo, Japan.

The medals were presented to their respective descendants, Lee Youngjun and Lee Youngchan.

Governor’s citations were also awarded to Lee Taebeom and Baek Taegi of the Liberation Association, and researcher Lee Junseol of the Miryang Uiyeol Memorial Hall, in recognition of their contributions to honoring the independence movement and supporting independence activists.

The ceremony concluded with the singing of the Liberation Day song and three cheers of "Manse" led by the youth.

Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, delivers a commemorative speech at the 80th Liberation Day Celebration. Provided by Gyeongnam Province

In his commemorative address, Governor Park Wansu stated, "I pay deep respect to the noble spirit of sacrifice of each and every patriotic martyr, and I express my gratitude for the freedom and peace they protected."

He emphasized, "It is our responsibility today to remember the noble sacrifices of the patriotic martyrs and independence activists and to ensure that their descendants can feel a sense of pride through proper recognition."

He continued, "Our provincial administration will implement a Gyeongnam-style welfare system that genuinely improves the lives of residents, along with even more comprehensive veterans’ policies so that honorees and their descendants can feel pride."

He also added, "This year’s ceremony was further elevated in dignity and meaning by the participation of all military branches in the province, including the Naval Academy," and stated, "Gyeongnam, as a center of resistance against colonial rule and a driving force in industrialization and democratization, will serve as a bridge connecting the past and the present."

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