At the invitation of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans' Affairs, the descendants of pro-independence activists living overseas on Aug. 11 visit an exhibition hall at the National Memorial of the Korean Provisional Government in Seoul's Seodaemun-gu District. (Yonhap News)
Cultural events and interactive programs will celebrate the 81st Liberation Day, when Korea gained independence from Japanese colonial rule on Aug. 15, 1945.
The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs said the National Memorial of the Korean Provisional Government (KPG) will host events to commemorate the occasion and the 150th birthday of patriotic martyr Kim Gu (Ku), who once headed the government in exile.
The program "Our Wish, Light Regained," which runs through Sept. 13, has activities like writing one's wishes on a postcard and taking photos at an on-site photo booth.
Aug. 15 will feature traditional performing arts and interactive programs. The show "Liberation: Celebration of Joy" will be held at the museum's first-floor Symbolic Plaza and "I Am a Korean Liberation Army Soldier" lets visitors reenact an escape from Japanese forces and enlist in the Korean Liberation Army.
Events will continue during the week of Kim's birthday, which falls on Aug. 29. On Aug. 26, the museum will host "The Gatekeeper's Wish," a program featuring commentary and a concert highlighting the KPG's Public Security Bureau and the statesman's life.
Three days later, a hands-on program for elementary school students is scheduled.
Reservations are available on the museum's website (https://www.nmkpg.go.kr/main/reserveApp/RCT00103/reserveApp_main.do). Cultural and interactive events run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except on days when the museum is closed (Aug. 18 and every Monday afterward).
In addition, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family on Aug. 14 held a ceremony at Kim Koo Museum and Library in Seoul to mark International Memorial Day for Japanese Military Comfort Women.
Marking its ninth year, the occasion is a national observance day to remember the first public testimony given by the late Kim Hak-sun, a victim of Japan's military sexual slavery system.
Under the theme "From Courageous Testimony to Steps Toward Peace," the event started with a reading of testimonies reconstructed from the oral histories given by victims, reflecting the impact their courageous voices had in inspiring civic engagement and action among future generations.
Official poster for "Our Wish, the Light We Regained" (Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs)
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