Mayor Min Kyung Sun of Goyang: "Shaping a Self-Sufficient Future City Through the Spirit of Liberation"

Goyang City Holds 81st Liberation Day Celebration
Highlighting the History of the Independence Movement, Reflecting on the Significance of Liberation
Emphasis on Fostering Aviation, Aerospace, Biotechnology, and K-culture
Tradition Continues with 81st Annual 'Jido District Sports Festival'
Bringing Together 1,500 Residents from Eight Neighborhoods

Minkyung Sun, Mayor of Goyang Special City, stated on August 15, "We will continue the spirit of devotion and unity of our forebears to realize Goyang's long-held aspiration of becoming a self-sufficient city."

Minkyung Sun, Mayor of Goyang City, delivers a congratulatory speech at the 81st Liberation Day Celebration held at Goyang City Cultural Center on the 15th. Provided by Goyang City.

Participants including Goyang Mayor Min Kyung-sun are shouting "Manse" three times at the 81st Liberation Day celebration held at Goyang City Cultural Center on the 15th. Provided by Goyang City

At the 81st Anniversary Liberation Day Celebration held at the Goyang City Culture and Arts Center that day, Mayor Min said, "If we join forces, we can turn any crisis into a new opportunity," and added, "We will do our utmost to create quality jobs and foster future industries such as aviation and aerospace, healthcare and biotechnology, and K-culture."

The celebration, held under the theme "The Light We Regained Together, Goyang Runs Forward Once More," saw the attendance of over 300 participants, including Mayor Min, the chairman of the Goyang City Council, the head of the Goyang branch of the Liberation Association, association members, leaders of veterans' organizations, and heads of related institutions.

The event began with a national ceremony, followed by a commemorative address, awards for meritorious individuals, congratulatory speeches, the singing of the Liberation Day song, and a collective chanting of "Manse" three times. The Goyang City Boys and Girls Choir performed "Airplane" and "Hopeful Goyang" in chorus.

In his speech, Mayor Min also focused on Goyang's history of the independence movement.

He said, "Goyang is a place where the spirit of patriotism still breathes, where the legacy of independence activists such as Jang Hyogeun, who awakened the nation’s spirit, and Lee Gasoon, who protected the lives of farmers, lives on."

He further emphasized, "The fervent outcry for independence flowed along the waterways of Haengju Ferry, where Goyang’s unique 'Shipboard Manse Movement' took place. Ilsan Station and Ilsan Market were also historical sites where steps toward independence gathered and the shouts of 'Manse' echoed."

Going forward, Goyang Special City plans to uphold the noble spirit of Liberation Day and promote awareness of the region’s independence movement history, while also strengthening respect for independence patriots and their families, and continuously working toward the development of the local community and the happiness of its citizens.

Minkyoung Sun, Mayor of Goyang City, is delivering a congratulatory speech at the '81st August 15 Liberation Day Commemorative Local Sports Competition' held at Chungjang Neighborhood Park Soccer Field in Haengjunae-dong, Deogyang-gu on the 15th. Provided by Goyang City

Goyang City Successfully Hosts the 81st Liberation Day 'Jido District Sports Festival'

On the same day, the '81st August 15 Liberation Day Commemorative Jido District Sports Festival' was also held at the Chungjang Neighborhood Park soccer field in Haengjunae-dong, Deogyang-gu. Continuing its 81-year tradition, the festival brought together around 1,500 residents from eight neighborhoods in the Jido district, including Neunggok-dong, Hwajeong 1 and 2-dong, Haengju-dong, and Haengsin 1, 2, 3, and 4-dong.

To address the extreme heat, the organizers held foot volleyball and dodgeball matches starting at 6 a.m., and excluded soccer, which involves more physical contact. Instead, they prepared a variety of athletic events and various experience and event programs that all ages could enjoy together.

During the event, Mayor of Goyang Special City and the chairman of the Goyang City Council presented awards to individuals who contributed to community development and the promotion of recreational sports, in recognition of their dedication and efforts.

Minkyung Sun, Mayor of Goyang Special City, remarked, "I find it truly meaningful to have created a place for unity where all citizens come together to reflect on the noble significance of Liberation Day," adding, "We will continue to host recreational sports events in which citizens can participate safely and joyfully, and lead the way in building a healthy local community."

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