The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on the evening of Aug. 14 will host a festival at Heungnyemun Square of Gyeongbokgung Palace (pictured) on the eve of Liberation Day to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the country's modern independence. (Instagram account of Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of Korea Heritage Service)

By Lee Dasom

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Aug. 5 announced its hosting of an evening festival on Aug. 14 at Heungnyemun Square of Gyeongbokgung Palace to celebrate the 80th anniversary of liberation.

The event's theme "We Are the Light" conveys the message that all Koreans who created the country over the past 80 years are the "light" and that they should continue shining together for the next eight decades.

A range of culture and arts events will set an upbeat mood to mark the anniversary and promote national unity.

The festival will cover the nation's past, present and future through performances by musical acts like the K-pop boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER, dance crew Bumsup, singer Insooni and girl group fromis_9.

The National Dance Company of Korea, National Chorus of Korea, Seodo Band (fusion), Seoul Performing Arts Company, Historical Children's Choir and Harmonize (show choir) will also perform works from genres like gugak (traditional music), musicals, choral and traditional arts.

Visual displays utilizing cutting-edge technology such as artificial intelligence and media facades are also planned.

The festival is open to the public but reservations are needed. Each person can reserve a ticket for oneself and a companion from Aug. 5 at 10 a.m. until Aug. 7 on the websites of the ministry (www.mcst.go.kr) or the committee for the project to celebrate the 80th anniversary of liberation (www.korea815.go.kr).

Attendees will be selected under a lottery system and those getting tickets will receive text messages on Aug 9.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young said, "We will prepare our best so that everyone can spend a meaningful time together enjoying themselves while reflecting on the significance of liberation."

Official poster for "We Are the Light" festival on Aug. 14 (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism)