Happy Korean Independence Day!
Happy Gwangbokjeol or Korean Independence Day! August 15th marks Gwangbokjeol, which translates to “bringing back the light.” Gwangbokjeol, the only holiday celebrated in both North and South Korea, commemorates Korea’s liberation and recovery of national independence after thirty-five years of Japanese rule.
Japanese imperial rule lasted from 1910-1945, a dark time in Korean history. Throughout this period, Korea was restricted from developing a cultural or national identity. Japanese colonialism was often harsh, and any Korean resistance was usually met with military force. During World War II, the oppressed Korean people were used as Japanese pawns: Korean men were forced to fight or work in factories, and young Korean women were used as “comfort women” for Japanese soldiers. On August 15, 1945, Japan surrendered to the Allied Forces, which officially ended WWII and freed Korea.
The same day three years later, August 15, 1948, memorialized the establishment of the North and South Korean governments. Backed by the Soviet Union, the first North Korean government was founded with Kim Il-Sung as the first Leader. Supported by the United States, the first South Korean government was established with Syngman Rhee as the first President.
In North Korea, on certain anniversary years, Gwangbokjeol is honored with a military parade in Kim Il-Sung Square with important officials in attendance. In South Korea, Korean Independence Day is celebrated with festivals, ceremonies, and parades. At either Independence Hall in Cheonan, Korea, or Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, an official ceremony is held and attended by the South Korean President. Taegeukgi, or the South Korean flag, is flown and displayed outside of buildings and houses.
Informational Sources:
“Gwangbokjeol.” Asia Society, asiasociety.org/korea/gwangbokjeol.
“Korean National Liberation Day.” Www.army.mil, www.army.mil/article/192286/korean_national_liberation_day.
“National Liberation Day of Korea 2019.” Google, Google, www.google.com/doodles/national-liberation-day-of-korea-2019.
“National Liberation Day of Korea.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 31 July 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Liberation_Day_of_Korea.
Image Source:
“Korean National Liberation Day.” Www.army.mil, www.army.mil/article/192286/korean_national_liberation_day.
