The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it will hold a bell-ringing ceremony around the Bosingak pavilion in Jongno, Seoul, on the 15th to mark the 81st Liberation Day.

Held under the theme "Sound of Liberation, Awakening the Future," the event is designed to reflect on the joy and significance of national liberation and pass that spirit on to future generations.

The ceremony, which starts at 11:30 AM, will feature nine descendants of independence activists recommended by the Liberation Association, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, and Lim Man-gyun, chairperson of the Seoul Metropolitan Council.

Among the descendants of independence activists participating in the event are Kim Sun-hee, the child of patriotic activist Kim Sang-kwon, who was arrested and suffered in prison while waging anti-Japanese struggles, and Seo Dong-heup, the child of patriotic activist Seo Dal-su, who organized the anti-Japanese secret society "Secret Comrades Association" while studying in Japan.

Actor Jung Joon-ho, who serves as the honorary mayor for the cultural and arts sector of Seoul, will host the event.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government added that it is also meaningful that Jung's spouse, Lee Ha-jung, is the maternal granddaughter of independence activist Ahn Pil-su.

The event will kick off with a performance by three artistic prodigies fostered by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

Through a violin performance, traditional Korean vocal music (chang), and a vocal performance, they will express the indomitable spirit of the nation that refused to break under Japanese colonial suppression.

Twenty-two students majoring in musical theater at the Department of Performing Arts of Seokyeong University will present the creative musical "Aspiration for Independence."

They will heighten immersion by singing independence songs among the audience and deliver a moving experience through a staging that unfurls the "Jingwansa Taegukgi," which is presumed to have been made for the independence movement.

The commemorative bell-ringing will take place 33 times to capture the resonance of independence, followed by a triple cheers of "Manse." The "Seoul Future United Choir," consisting of about 100 members, will bring the grand finale by singing the "Liberation Day Song" and the "Praise of Seoul."

A photo experience booth will be operated at the venue, allowing visitors to take pictures against the backdrop of the moment of liberation.

Citizen participation programs, such as exploring historic sites related to the anti-Japanese independence movement, will also be prepared so that citizens can examine the history of the independence movement.

As this is an outdoor event taking place during the hot summer season, the Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to focus on safety management.

Separate heatwave relief shelters will be set up for elderly participants and child performers, and bottled water and cooling patches will be distributed to spectators while managing the site.

Min Su-hong, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Culture Bureau, said, "I hope this event will not only be a time to reflect on the joy of liberation, but also serve as an occasion where our history leads to a resonant echo of hope that awakens future generations."

(Photo: Provided by Seoul Metropolitan Government, Yonhap News)