Mayor Lee Sang-il: "Advancing Urban Development and Enhancing Quality of Life Is the Path to Fulfilling Liberation"

Yongin City Hosts 81st Liberation Day Celebration
Over 300 Attendees Including Descendants of Independence Patriots
"Aspiring to Become a Semiconductor Hub and Strengthening Honors for Veterans’ Families"

Lee Sang-il, Mayor of Yongin Special City, stated on the 15th, "The way to truly realize the meaning of Liberation is to carry forward the light gained through our forebears' fight for independence by developing our city and improving the quality of life for our citizens."

Lee Sang-il, Mayor of Yongin Special City, is delivering a congratulatory speech at the '81st Liberation Day Celebration' held on the 15th at Ace Hall in Yongin City Hall. Provided by Yongin City

At the '81st Anniversary Liberation Day Celebration' held on this day at the Ace Hall of Yongin City Hall, Mayor Lee emphasized, "Everything we enjoy today is thanks to the dedication and sacrifices of our forebears."

The celebration, hosted by the Yongin Special City Chapter of the Liberation Association, was attended by approximately 300 people, including Mayor Lee, members of the National Assembly, party chapter heads, provincial and city council members, descendants of independence patriots, and representatives from veterans' organizations.

Mayor Lee shared, "Every time I wave the Taegeukgi, I ponder how deeply moved our forebears must have been 81 years ago when waving this flag. Everything we enjoy today is a result of their dedication and sacrifice, and by holding this celebration each year, we are reaffirming our commitment to advance the cause of Liberation by inheriting the light our forebears regained."

He continued, "If we reflect on the joy and emotion of Liberation 81 years ago, our minor differences, conflicts, and divisions today are truly insignificant. If we join forces to chart the nation's future, even small differences can certainly be overcome."

He also stressed the importance of maintaining a strong security posture in response to North Korea's ongoing threats of provocation. Mayor Lee stated, "In the face of North Korea's continued provocations, in order to fulfill the meaning of Liberation, we must maintain an unwavering commitment to security and be thoroughly prepared."

Mayor Sangil Lee of Yongin Special City (center) is shouting "Manse" together with participants at the 81st Liberation Day celebration held on the 15th at the ACE Hall in the city hall. Provided by Yongin City

He also unveiled plans for the future development of Yongin. Mayor Lee said, "I believe that carrying out all of our city's projects to improve urban growth and the quality of citizens' lives with the highest standards is the way to complete Liberation. Yongin Special City will do its utmost to succeed in its mega-scale semiconductor project and emerge as a leading city driving Korea's economy."

He went on, "Upholding the intentions of our forebears by valuing veterans, honoring the descendants of independence patriots and veterans’ families, and teaching the next generation about the value of remembrance are all part of realizing Liberation. As mayor, I will take the lead in all these efforts."

On this day, Mayor Lee presented the Exemplary Descendant of Independence Patriot Award to Kim Jae-kwon, the grandchild of patriot Kim Yong-gap; Kim Jun-hee, the grandchild of patriot Kim Chi-ok; and Jeon Eun-gi, the child of patriot Jeon Eul-saeng.

Choi Hee-yong, president of the Liberation Association’s Yongin Special City Chapter, remarked, "It is deeply meaningful to share the joy of Liberation achieved by our independence forebears with the citizens. Ensuring we never again lose our national sovereignty to foreign forces, by remembering our history and carrying on the will of our forebears, is a duty for future generations."

The celebration began with the screening of "The Light We Regained," a video produced by the Independence Hall of Korea. A commemorative video was also released, introducing Yongin's leading independence activists and descendants of independence patriots living in the region.

The congratulatory performances featured tenor Lee Sang-ho singing the aria 'Nessun Dorma' ('None Shall Sleep') from the opera 'Turandot' in honor of the steadfast resolve of independence activists, and soprano Kim Hee-jung presenting the renowned aria 'Ah! Je veux vivre' ('I Want to Live to the Song and Love') from 'Romeo and Juliet,' offering bright and beautiful melodies.

Lee Sang-il, Mayor of Yongin Special City, is taking a commemorative photo with participants at the 81st Liberation Day Celebration held on the 15th at the City Hall Ace Hall. Provided by Yongin City

Soprano Kim Hee-jung also performed opera arias and Italian songs. After singing the Liberation Day anthem together, participants recited three cheers of 'Manse', once again recalling the joy of Liberation experienced 81 years ago.

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