Mayor Hyunduk Choi of Namyangju: "We Will Carry Forward the Spirit of Liberation and Open an Era of Citizen Sovereignty"

Namyangju City Celebrates 81st Liberation Day

Reaffirms a "New Beginning"

Spotlights Independence Activists Lee Seok-young and Kim Gu

Showcases AI Veterans Experience

Over 1,200 Citizens Walk 3.5 km Around Hongyureung, Wishing for Peaceful Unification

Namyangju City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Hyunduk Choi), marked the 81st anniversary of Liberation Day by honoring the sacrifices of the nation’s fallen heroes and patriotic activists, and reaffirmed its commitment to passing down the spirit of liberation to future generations.

Mayor Hyunduk Choi of Namyangju City is delivering a congratulatory speech at the 81st Liberation Day celebration held at Yeoyudang, City Hall on the 15th. Provided by Namyangju City

Namyangju Mayor Hyun-Duk Choi is greeting the families of independence activists attending the 81st Liberation Day Celebration on the 15th. Provided by Namyangju City

On the 15th, the city held a Liberation Day celebration attended by Mayor Hyunduk Choi, members of the National Assembly, provincial and city council members, Lee Gil-hyung (President of the Namyangju chapter of the Liberation Association), families of independence activists, officials from veterans and security organizations, and approximately 500 citizens.

The ceremony began with the screening of the patriotic video “Light of Liberation, Illuminating Tomorrow,” which shed light on the lives of independence activists Lee Seok-young and Kim Gu, both from Namyangju. The event continued with a youth creative musical titled “One and Only Dream,” a commemorative ceremony, and merit awards for honorees.

Both the video and the musical highlighted the spirit of “noblesse oblige” embodied by Lee Seok-young, who dedicated his entire fortune to supporting the establishment of the Sinheung Military Academy, as well as Kim Gu’s vision emphasizing complete independence, peace, and the power of culture. The city explained that this was the nation’s first planned content to simultaneously focus on both independence activists.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of Kim Gu’s birth, which has been designated as a UNESCO anniversary year. In the lobby, the event also featured an “AI Veterans Experience Booth” created by local youth using coding, and an exhibition of works from the 2026 Citizen Participation Veterans Culture Contest.

Mayor Choi stated, "What our forebears defended with their blood, sweat, and tears was more than the simple restoration of national sovereignty; it was our name and language, our history and culture, our dignity, and our future as a people. The completion of liberation is not limited to remembering the past—it lies in creating a nation where freedom, peace, human rights, and culture are truly alive."

He further emphasized, "We will rightfully honor the noble intentions of local independence activists such as Lee Seok-young and fully pass on their legacy to future generations. We will build a dignified city where history and culture are alive in the daily lives of citizens, and usher in an era of citizen sovereignty by listening closely to the voices of the people."

Namyangju Mayor Hyunduk Choi (front row, third from the right) is cheering "Manse" in celebration of Liberation Day at the 30th Peaceful Unification Commemorative Citizens' Walking Contest on the 15th. Provided by Namyangju City

Namyangju Chapter of the Korean Federation for Freedom, Successfully Hosts 30th Peaceful Unification Memorial Citizen Walk

On the same day, the Namyangju chapter of the Korean Federation for Freedom hosted the 30th Peaceful Unification Memorial Citizen Walk at Lee Seok-young Square in Geumgok-dong.

The event was organized to commemorate the significance of the 81st Liberation Day, wish for peaceful unification, and foster unity among citizens.

Mayor Choi, National Assembly member Kim Byungjoo, provincial and city council members, and more than 1,200 citizens including children and youth participated by walking the 3.5 km trail around Hongyureung, reflecting on the meaning of liberation and expressing hopes for peaceful unification.

Mayor Hyunduk Choi remarked, "Liberation 81 years ago was only possible because of the dedication and sacrifice of our forebears. We must remember the spirit of Lee Seok-young and his six brothers, who sold all their assets, crossed over to Manchuria, and established the Sinheung Military Academy for the cause of independence."

He added, "The Taegukgi that freely waves today is the proud symbol of the Republic of Korea, which our ancestors so dearly longed to reclaim. I hope that by waving the Taegukgi with vigor, we can share the joy of liberation and make this a meaningful time to renew our love for our country."

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