Seoul's Eunpyeong-gu will hold its 81st Liberation Day commemoration Thursday at Eunpyeong Culture and Arts Center, district mayor Kim Mi-kyung announced.
Held under the theme "Light We Carried Together, Coloring Eunpyeong's Future," the event is designed to honor the independence spirit of patriots who gave their lives and to strengthen community bonds. About 600 residents — spanning veterans' families, children and teenagers — are expected to attend and share in the meaning of Liberation Day.
Pre-ceremony entertainment will feature a percussion performance titled "The Roar of That Day" by the Pungmul Arari troupe and a military march medley by the 56th Division military band. The formal ceremony will follow, during which the district mayor will present commendation plaques to 19 exemplary national merit recipients who have contributed to the community and the promotion of veterans' culture.
The commemorative performance will bring together the Yegeurina vocal ensemble, the Soongsil High School men's chorus and the Utneun Ai musical troupe, who will express the sacrifices of independence fighters and the joy of liberation through song and musical theater.
The closing segment — "Liberation 81 Seconds: Finale of Light" — will feature a traditional yeoldubalsangmo hat-spinning performance by descendants of independence activists, alongside a large Taegukgi completed with handprints contributed by residents. Attendees will then hold small Taegukgi flags crafted by children and join together in a three-cheers salute, reaffirming the meaning of liberation across generations.
A range of participatory activities will also be available on site. Hands-on programs — including Taegukgi-pattern handprint stamping, patriotic-themed Dubai Chewy Cookie decorating and Liberation Day commemorative photo opportunities — will run throughout the day. A photo exhibition spotlighting the lives and activities of 21 independence activists with ties to Eunpyeong will also be on display.
"I hope this commemoration becomes a moment to reflect on the noble sacrifices of our patriots and pass their spirit on to the next generation," district mayor Kim said. "I look forward to it being a meaningful occasion where veterans' families feel respected and all residents can share in the significance of Liberation Day."
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