Jeonnam Province Marks 80th Anniversary of Liberation with Documentary Screening "Independence Army"

Remembering the Spirit of the Independence Fighters' Struggle
Fostering Unity Among Residents and a Sense of Duty Among Public Officials

Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Youngrok is watching the documentary film "Independence Army: The Unfinished War," which was screened at the Kim Daejung Auditorium in the provincial office on the 11th to commemorate the 80th anniversary of liberation. The screening aimed to promote unity among the residents and instill a sense of duty as public officials and communal responsibility by sharing the spirit of the independence fighters and the values of patriotism and love for the nation. Provided by Jeonnam Province

On September 11, Jeonnam Province announced that residents and public officials gathered at the Kim Daejung Auditorium in the provincial government building to watch the documentary film "Independence Army: The Unfinished War" in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of liberation.

This event, which was organized to reflect on the anti-Japanese struggle and sacrifices of the independence army and to strengthen unity among residents and a sense of communal duty among public officials, was attended by over 500 people, including members of the Liberation Association, residents, public officials, as well as executives, employees, and their families from city and county governments and affiliated organizations. The participants shared a meaningful time together.

The film highlights the life of General Hong Beomdo, focusing on the history of armed independence struggles such as the Battles of Bongodong and Cheongsanri. It also addresses the 2023 controversy over the removal of his bust at the Korea Military Academy, depicting the legacy of the independence army and how it continues to shape the Republic of Korea today.

Before the screening, Governor Kim Youngrok stated, "When I think about the harrowing lives of those who sacrificed themselves for our nation's independence, it makes all of us reflect on what kind of attitude we should have in our own lives today. I hope that this occasion will go beyond simply watching a film and become a moment to remember the spirit of our forebears who dedicated themselves to the liberation of our country, and to consider together the tasks that remain for us."

Jeonnam Province has been the first metropolitan government to launch a project to identify unrecognized independence activists, resulting in a total of 32 individuals receiving official honors. The province is also implementing various policies to support the families of independence patriots, such as providing honorary allowances and medical expense support. In particular, starting this year, Jeonnam has introduced a democratization movement honorary allowance (60,000 won per month) and expanded the eligibility for the May 18 Democratic Merit Allowance, striving to properly honor those who devoted themselves to the nation and its people.

In August, eight sites, including the birthplace of Hwang Hyeon in Gwangyang, were designated as "Jeonnam Cultural Heritage." The province is also working to inherit and advance the spirit of independence by preparing to open the Namdo Righteous Army History Museum in March next year and compiling the History of the Jeonnam Independence Movement by 2027.

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