Ministry of Interior and Safety unveils top entries from public competition for national anthem backdrop

A still from a national anthem background video entry
A still from a national anthem background video entry

The government is set to produce an official background video for the national anthem for the first time. Until now, it has relied on footage produced and distributed by broadcasters or commissioned new videos tailored to specific events, but an official government version will now be created through a public competition.

The Ministry of Interior and Safety announced Thursday the final results of its "National Anthem Background Video Public Competition," which it launched in April.

The top prize — the Minister of Interior and Safety Award, carrying a cash prize of 80 million won ($57,800) — went to "In This Land," a work capturing the diverse landscapes of the Korean Peninsula.

The winning entry weaves together natural scenery — including the sunrise over Dokdo, waterfalls on Seoraksan and the Baengnodam crater lake on Hallasan — cultural heritage sites such as Jongmyo, Gyeongbokgung and a Silla gold crown, and images of semiconductors and solar power installations representing the country's future development, all set to the melody and lyrics of the national anthem.

The runner-up prize, also carrying the Minister of Interior and Safety Award and a cash prize of 50 million won, went to "Ordinary Us, Each Other's Country, Korea." The work focuses on everyday citizens — children, students, workers and merchants — to convey the message that ordinary people are the true owners of the nation.

Both winning entries will be made available through the competition's official website. The ministry plans to produce the official government national anthem background video next year based on the competition results.

Earlier, President Lee Jae Myung, during a meeting with the chairman of the Korea Senior Citizens Association in December last year, agreed with a remark that the national anthem's background visuals were "too outdated" and directed relevant ministries to update them "in a direction that highlights recent developments and international standing to maximize national pride."

The national anthem video currently posted on the Ministry of Interior and Safety's website was produced by the Korea Broadcasting System and provided to the ministry.


thlee@heraldcorp.com