Songpa District to Hold 'Residents Chorus' on August 14 to Mark 80th Anniversary of Liberation

by Kim Minjin

Pubilshed 06 Aug.2025 08:47(KST)

A Chorus of Freedom and Independence Sung by 1,815 Voices

Songpa District in Seoul (Mayor Seo Gangseok) will hold the 'Songpa District Residents Chorus' at Seoul Nori Madang on August 14, in celebration of the 80th anniversary of Liberation. A total of 1,815 residents from various generations and backgrounds?including children as young as five, seniors up to 90 years old, university students, homemakers, and members of the Liberation Association?will participate, sharing the meaning of liberation through their voices.

Seoul Nori Madang 'Songpa District Residents Chorus' on-site scene. Provided by Songpa District.

The 'Songpa District Residents Chorus' has been held annually since 2023 to commemorate Liberation Day, and a cumulative total of over 5,500 residents have participated through this year. Participants will wear matching white T-shirts and, as both performers and audience members, create a space for intergenerational harmony.

The event will begin with celebratory performances of "Arirang" and "Gwangya" by the Songpa District Symphony Orchestra, as well as children's, women's, and seniors' choirs. A specially produced video will then be screened, reflecting on the history of the Republic of Korea, which achieved freedom and prosperity after enduring the hardships of the Japanese colonial period and the Korean War (6·25 War).

The main chorus stage will feature a total of seven songs: "Independence Army Anthem," "Beautiful Rivers and Mountains," "Beautiful Country," "Ah! Republic of Korea," "My Country, My People," "Hollo Arirang," and "Liberation Day Song." For the final song, "Liberation Day Song," all participants will wave Taegukgi flags and sing together, culminating in a resounding "manse" cheer with the audience, delivering a moving and powerful finale.

In preparation for the hot summer weather, Songpa District has newly installed 12 air conditioning units at the outdoor theater of Seoul Nori Madang to ensure a safe and comfortable performance environment.

Seo Gangseok, Mayor of Songpa District, stated, "The Songpa District Residents Chorus is a meaningful stage where 1,815 residents transcend generations and social classes to deliver the values of freedom and independence with one unified voice," adding, "We will continue to do our utmost to remember the will of our ancestors who dedicated themselves to the nation and to carry on the spirit of patriotism."

Seo Gangseok, Mayor of Songpa District, giving a greeting. Provided by Songpa District Office.