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  • Hana Bank Partners with Incheon City to Support Local Economic Growth
    Hana Bank Partners with Incheon City to Support Local Economic Growth Hana Bank announced on August 17 that it has signed three financial support agreements with Incheon City aimed at stabilizing the livelihoods of citizens, supporting youth and small businesses, and fostering future strategic industries and innovative companies for regional co-growth.Under the 'Co-Growth Agreement,' Hana Bank plans to alleviate the financial burden on Incheon residents and continue co-growth with the local community. The bank will provide financial services to assist youth with housing stability and job preparation, creating new opportunities for them, while also enhancing financial support for small businesses.Hana Bank is also accelerating financial support to develop Incheon as a hub for advanced future industries. Through the 'ABC+E Financial Support Agreement for Future Growth Engines,' the bank will contribute special funds, and the Korea Technology Finance Corporation will use these funds to support a total of 150 billion won in guarantee agreements.Eligible companies will receive benefits such as a maximum guarantee rate of 100% and a guarantee fee support of up to 0.6% to effectively reduce their financial burdens.Additionally, Hana Bank will supply growth capital through the establishment of a 200 billion won Incheon Unicorn Fund, which will focus on investing in key sectors and promising companies in the Incheon region.The Hana Financial Group will contribute 200 billion won to this fund. Hana Securities will be responsible for the fund's establishment and management, while Hana Bank will actively identify and recommend promising startups and companies in the region to support their growth.Lee Ho-sung, CEO of Hana Bank, stated, "The role of a local bank is to consider the financial needs of local citizens and businesses and to invest in the future of the region together. We will spare no effort in supporting the recovery of Incheon’s economy and the cultivation of future growth engines in line with the city’s policies." 2026-08-17 09:44:00
  • Korean Minister Kim Jong-kwan Aims for $200 Billion U.S. Investment Announcement
    Korean Minister Kim Jong-kwan Aims for $200 Billion U.S. Investment Announcement Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jong-kwan stated that practical issues regarding the $200 billion investment project agreed upon in U.S.-Korea tariff negotiations are still being addressed, and he aims to continue discussions with U.S. officials with the goal of making an announcement by the end of this month.Speaking to reporters on August 16 at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., Kim said, "I mentioned that we are considering an announcement around the end of August or early September, but as we approach the final stages, various practical issues are emerging that need to be organized."He added, "We have held video conferences and practical meetings, but it is necessary to consolidate everything. While more diverse issues are arising than we initially thought, we are determined to resolve them by the end of August."This visit marks Kim's return to the U.S. after about three weeks. During this trip, he is expected to meet with key figures from the Trump administration, including U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, to discuss the specific conditions of the investment project and tariff issues.Last year, South Korea and the U.S. reached a trade agreement that included a $350 billion investment in the U.S., which reduced tariffs on South Korean products from 25% to 15%. Of the total investment, $150 billion is allocated for shipbuilding cooperation, while the remaining $200 billion is under negotiation for specific implementation plans.Regarding speculation that the U.S. has pressured South Korea by suggesting it could raise tariffs if the investment is not expedited, Kim stated, "I am not aware of that; I have not received any such indication." However, he acknowledged that President Trump has been advocating for increased investment speed since early this year, and he expressed agreement with that sentiment, stating that discussions are ongoing.On the possibility of additional tariffs from the U.S., Kim took a cautious stance. Following the imposition of a 12.5% tariff related to forced labor under Section 301 of the Trade Act last month, there are concerns that further tariffs could exceed the agreed 15% rate due to the results of an overproduction investigation.Kim indicated that he would not make assumptions about whether the 15% tariff cap would be maintained after the overproduction investigation, stating, "We will do our best." He noted that the U.S. had mentioned discussing the results with South Korea around the end of August, but it seems to be taking longer than expected.When asked if the combined cycle power generation sector remains a strong candidate for the first U.S. investment project, he replied, "Let's wait and see," adding, "We are monitoring the situation as initially discussed."Addressing concerns about a potential gap in negotiations following the dismissal of Trade Negotiations Chief Ye Han-goo, Kim emphasized, "Negotiations are not conducted by individuals but by the entire organization together. We will do our utmost to ensure there is no gap."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 09:32:00
  • Convenience Stores Launch Diverse Chuseok Gift Sets Ranging from Affordable to Luxury
    Convenience Stores Launch Diverse Chuseok Gift Sets Ranging from Affordable to Luxury Convenience store chains CU, GS25, Seven Eleven, and Emart24 have launched their Chuseok gift set sales this year, offering a wide range of products from a 31 million won humanoid robot to affordable food items priced at 10,000 won. According to the convenience store industry on the 17th, CU, GS25, Seven Eleven, and Emart24 began their Chuseok gift sales in mid-August. CU has prepared over 710 types of gift sets, while GS25 and Seven Eleven each have around 600 types available. Notably, high-priced items that are rarely seen in convenience stores are now included. CU is selling a bipedal humanoid robot for 31 million won, a robotic dog for 3.99 million won, and a massage chair for 2.7 million won. They have also partnered with Samsung Gold Trading to offer 12 types of pure gold products, including gold bars. GS25 is featuring a humanoid 'social robot Riku' that reacts to emotions for 5.5 million won, along with a Go game robot and AI robot keychains. In the alcohol category, they are offering a 'Five Great Chateau 2016 Vintage Set' for 949,900 won. They have also expanded their selection of precious metal products to 15 types, including gold and silver bars. The inclusion of high-priced items in convenience store catalogs reflects a trend where gift consumption is becoming more personalized, focusing on individual interests and preferences rather than just price. CU's gift sales during this year's Lunar New Year increased by 13.8% compared to last year, with sales of items priced over 100,000 won rising by 39.2%. Seven Eleven also reported a 17% increase in gift sales during last year's Chuseok, with positive responses to whiskey, traditional liquor, health foods, cosmetics, and collaboration products with popular restaurants. The competition for 'preference-based gifts' utilizing characters and famous restaurants is also intensifying. CU has prepared 20 Pokémon-related products, including a Pikachu apple set, camping gear, and golf balls. Seven Eleven is offering nine types of merchandise featuring Hello Kitty, including keychains, card wallets, and tumblers, as well as cakes, kimchi, and meat products in collaboration with Lotte Hotel.Hanwoo Beef and Gulping Fish Also Available at Convenience Stores to Meet Shopping DemandNot only are premium and unique products increasing, but traditional holiday food sales are also being strengthened as more consumers use convenience stores for everyday shopping. Emart24 has increased its selection of fresh food gift items by about 30% compared to last year, offering famous local fruits, Hanwoo beef, and Yeonggwang gulbi, along with six types of 'Hanwoo Gourmet Sets' suitable for one or two people. This targets the so-called 'single holiday celebrators' who spend the holiday alone. CU has prepared 'Gyeongju Millennium Hanwoo,' Chikso Hanwoo, and wet-aged Hanwoo, while GS25 has assembled assorted pancakes, dumplings, pork cutlets, tteokgalbi, and kimchi priced between 10,000 and 50,000 won. This two-track strategy aims to secure attention with high-priced unique products while lowering the price burden on popular holiday food items. The competition for pre-orders has also accelerated. CU began pre-sales on the 14th, five days earlier than last year. GS25 is offering card discounts and 1+1 and 2+1 promotions on 127 products from the 17th to next month’s 4th. Emart24 will start sales on the 18th, applying discounts of up to 20% on 33 major gift sets. In the past, convenience store holiday gifts focused on practical items like ham, tuna, and cooking oil that could be easily purchased at nearby stores. Recently, however, they have rapidly expanded their offerings using nationwide store networks, catalog orders, and delivery apps, allowing them to handle everything from hundreds of thousands of won robots and premium wines to fresh food without being limited by store shelf space. Kim Ji-young, manager of the convenience store promotion team at GS Retail, stated, “Recently, more customers are choosing holiday gifts that combine practicality and uniqueness, considering the tastes and lifestyles of their family and friends.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 09:28:00
  • Trump orders cut to US-S. Korea joint military drill
    Trump orders cut to US-S. Korea joint military drill SEOUL, August 17 (AJP) - Hours before South Korea and the United States opened their largest annual exercise, United States President Donald Trump said he had ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce joint military drills on the peninsula, pointing to his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump wrote on Truth Social that he was not happy the U.S. had agreed long ago to take part in the exercises, which he called costly and largely paid for by Washington. He said the drills send a signal that is "totally inappropriate and hostile" to a country that has been unthreatening and respectful during his presidency. "Therefore, and based on the fact that it is too late to cancel, I have instructed Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to substantially reduce the Joint Military Exercises," he wrote, using the title Secretary of War for the Pentagon chief. The post went up at 5:04 p.m. Sunday in Washington, 6:04 a.m. Monday in Seoul, the morning the exercise began. It was the first time in his second term that Trump had publicly faulted the combined drills and ordered them cut. Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) runs from Aug. 17 to Aug. 27. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff and U.S. Forces Korea said at a joint briefing on Aug. 10 that UFS 26 is a defensive annual exercise involving about 18,000 South Korean troops, a scale similar to previous years. This year's exercise also carries part of the full operational capability assessment for South Korean forces, a step toward the transfer of wartime operational control, while the field training component was cut sharply. The reduction has been read in Seoul as the Lee Jae Myung government managing military tension with Pyongyang. North Korea has spent decades describing the exercise in the language Trump echoed. North Korea's Foreign Ministry, in a statement carried by state media on Friday, called the combined training a rehearsal for an aggressive war that was driving a different level of instability in the region. The statement threatened that the North would exercise its right to self-defense and said this year's drills are more provocative than last year's. North Korea fired ballistic missiles into the East Sea on Aug. 6 and again on Aug. 12. Pyongyang has not commented on the launches, which outside analysts assess were meant either to protest the exercise or to advance weapons systems. The framing has held for years. In 2024, North Korea's Institute for American Studies, which sits under the Foreign Ministry, called the exercise preparation for aggression and described it as the most offensive and provocative in the world. In 2016, the Korean People's Army, North Korea's military, threatened a preemptive retaliatory strike against forces taking part. The exercise grew out of an attempt on a South Korean president's life. North Korean commandos raided the Blue House in January 1968, prompting a government mobilization exercise that was renamed Ulchi the following year after Eulji Mundeok, the Goguryeo commander who turned back a Sui invasion. It merged in 1976 with Focus Lens, a command post exercise the U.N. Command had run since 1954, and the combined drill was renamed Ulchi Freedom Guardian in 2008. Seoul and Washington suspended it in June 2018 after Trump's first summit with Kim in Singapore, where he called the drills expensive and provocative. The allies restored large-scale field training in 2022 under the name Ulchi Freedom Shield, after a four-year suspension imposed while the two sides tried to negotiate away the North's nuclear weapons. North Korea later said Trump had personally committed to halting the exercises and cited their resumption as evidence Washington had broken faith. Trump's reference to Kim follows a year of open signaling. He met Kim three times in his first term, in Singapore in 2018, in Hanoi in 2019 and briefly at the Demilitarized Zone that same year, and since returning to office he has raised the idea of another meeting repeatedly. He told Lee on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) meetings in France in June that he would restart diplomacy with North Korea, then posted a photograph of his walk with Kim at the Capella Hotel in Singapore. On Saturday he posted another picture of the two of them, writing that they get along well. Kim has said he holds fond memories of Trump while ruling out any discussion of surrendering his nuclear arsenal. Trump closed the post with a line he flagged as unrelated, writing that he had asked South Korea's president to join U.S. efforts on the denuclearization of Iran and was told, "No thanks!" He did not say what he had asked of Seoul. South Korea's presidential office and its Ministry of National Defense had not commented as of Monday morning, and no change to the exercise schedule had been announced. 2026-08-17 09:23:11
  • HD Hyundai Electric Develops First Domestic 420kV Eco-Friendly High-Voltage Circuit Breaker, Targets European Market
    HD Hyundai Electric Develops First Domestic 420kV Eco-Friendly High-Voltage Circuit Breaker, Targets European Market HD Hyundai Electric has independently developed Korea's first 420kV eco-friendly high-voltage circuit breaker, accelerating its entry into the European eco-friendly power equipment market.On August 17, HD Hyundai Electric announced the completion of the development of the 420kV SF₆-Free high-voltage circuit breaker, marking it as the first in Korea and the third globally.The newly developed eco-friendly circuit breaker replaces the traditional SF₆ insulating gas with a C₄ mixed gas, necessitating a redesign of the insulation and interruption structure to accommodate the new gas's properties. The 420kV eco-friendly circuit breaker is a critical high-voltage product used in national infrastructure, requiring proven stable performance under extreme conditions, which adds to the development's complexity.Since 2021, HD Hyundai Electric has developed SF₆-Free high-voltage circuit breakers in various capacities, starting with 170kV, followed by 145kV and 72.5kV models. The development of the 420kV product expands its portfolio of eco-friendly high-voltage circuit breakers across major voltage levels.The 420kV circuit breaker is essential for the 400kV transmission network, which constitutes over half of the power grid operated by major European Transmission System Operators (TSOs). Securing 420kV products is considered a key requirement for entering the European ultra-high voltage power infrastructure market.With the European Union's tightening regulations on fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-Gas) and increased investments in power grids, the market for SF₆-Free high-voltage circuit breakers in Europe is expected to grow, reaching approximately 3 trillion won by 2030.In response to these market changes, HD Hyundai Electric has proactively secured local supply qualifications by passing the pre-qualification (PQ) assessments of European grid operators during the product development phase. The company plans to establish a stable order base through long-term supply contracts to expand its presence in the European eco-friendly high-voltage circuit breaker market.An HD Hyundai Electric official stated, "We are currently pursuing long-term supply contracts with major power companies in the UK, aiming for our first order by the end of this year or early next year. Within the next three years, we plan to complete the development of additional SF₆-Free high-voltage circuit breakers, including 300kV and 362kV models, to further solidify our position in the global eco-friendly power equipment market."Meanwhile, HD Hyundai Electric is accelerating its entry into the European power equipment market with the largest capacity eco-friendly transformers in Korea. Following a significant increase in its North American sales share to nearly 40%, the company aims to develop Europe as its "second core market" amid growing demand driven by expanded power grid investments and strengthened environmental regulations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 09:12:00
  • Democratic Party to Decide New Leadership Amid Factional Tensions
    Democratic Party to Decide New Leadership Amid Factional Tensions The Democratic Party will hold a convention on August 17 to establish a new leadership team. As tensions escalate between the pro-Myeong (Lee Jae-myung) and pro-Cheong (Jung Cheong-rae) factions, unity will be crucial.The party will conduct its third regular national party members' meeting at the Daejeon Convention Center in the afternoon. During the convention, a new party leader and Supreme Council members will be elected. Following the completion of nationwide preliminary elections on August 16, Kim Min-seok leads the party leader race with 49.91% of the votes, while Jung Cheong-rae has 41.51% and Song Young-gil has 8.58%.This convention will implement a preferential voting system, which will determine the winner if no candidate receives a majority in the first round by combining the second-choice votes of the third-place candidate. Additionally, the voting will consist of 70% from delegates and party members and 30% from public opinion polls. Online voting for delegates will take place, and the results of the public opinion survey will be announced.The Supreme Council election, which will select five members, faced confusion as Im Mi-ae and Kim Young-ho, both from the pro-Myeong faction, announced their withdrawal in support of Kim Yong, reducing the candidate pool to six. Candidates from the pro-Myeong faction include Park Sun-won, Seo Mi-hwa, and Kim Yong, while the pro-Cheong faction candidates are Lee Seong-yun, Choi Min-hee, and Han Min-soo. Currently, Choi Min-hee is in the lead with 16.91%, followed closely by Park Sun-won at 16.60%, Seo Mi-hwa at 15.18%, Lee Seong-yun at 13.94%, Han Min-soo at 13.77%, and Kim Yong at 13.62%. The competition for the top position and the fifth place, which secures a seat, is expected to be intense.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 08:44:00
  • Weather Alert: Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Expected on Substitute Holiday
    Weather Alert: Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Expected on Substitute Holiday On August 17, a substitute holiday for Liberation Day, rain is expected across most of the country until the morning, with continued rainfall in the southeastern region and Jeju Island lasting into the night.According to Yonhap News on August 16, the southeastern region is forecasted to experience heavy rain of 20 to 50 mm per hour until dawn, while Jeju Island may see 20 to 30 mm per hour from early morning to morning.Areas experiencing rain should be cautious of strong winds, thunder, and lightning, as very heavy rainfall is anticipated.The expected rainfall amounts over two days include 5 to 10 mm in Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province; 5 to 20 mm in southern Gangwon; around 5 mm in central and northern Gangwon; 5 to 30 mm in Chungbuk; 5 to 10 mm in Daejeon, Sejong, and Chungnam; and 20 to 60 mm along the eastern coast of Jeonnam, with 5 to 30 mm in Gwangju, Jeonnam, and Jeonbuk.In Busan, Ulsan, and the southern coast of Gyeongnam, rainfall is expected to reach 50 to 100 mm (with some areas exceeding 150 mm), while Ulleungdo and Dokdo may see 30 to 80 mm. The inland areas of Gyeongbuk, excluding the inland regions of Gyeongnam and Daegu, are expected to receive 20 to 70 mm (with eastern Gyeongnam inland areas exceeding 100 mm and southern Gyeongbuk coastal areas exceeding 80 mm), and Jeju Island is forecasted to receive 20 to 70 mm (with mountainous areas exceeding 100 mm).Showers may occur in the central region and Jeolla Province in the afternoon and evening.Again, caution is advised for strong winds and thunder and lightning.The expected rainfall from these showers includes 5 to 50 mm in Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province; 5 to 60 mm in inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon; 5 to 50 mm in Chungbuk; 5 to 40 mm in Daejeon, Sejong, and Chungnam; and 5 to 60 mm in Jeonbuk, with 5 to 40 mm in Gwangju and Jeonnam.As the rain subsides, a heat wave is expected to return, particularly in the metropolitan area, Chungnam, and Jeolla Province, with perceived temperatures around 33 degrees Celsius.Some urban and coastal areas may experience tropical nights, with temperatures remaining above 25 degrees Celsius.The morning low is forecasted to be between 21 and 25 degrees Celsius, while the daytime high is expected to range from 27 to 32 degrees Celsius.Waves in the sea are expected to reach 0.5 to 2.5 meters in the East Sea and South Sea, and 0.5 to 1.5 meters in the West Sea.In the offshore waters (about 200 km from the coastline), wave heights are expected to be 1.0 to 3.5 meters in the East Sea, 0.5 to 2.5 meters in the West Sea, and 1.0 to 3.5 meters in the South Sea.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 06:20:00
  • Uiwang Mayor Kim Seong-je Celebrates Independence Day and Honors National Heroes
    Uiwang Mayor Kim Seong-je Celebrates Independence Day and Honors National Heroes Kim Seong-je, the mayor of Uiwang, expressed on August 15 that he will "never forget the noble sacrifices and dedication of our forebears and will carry on their legacy." On this day, Mayor Kim held a ceremony at the city hall's main conference room to commemorate the 81st anniversary of Independence Day, honoring the sacrifices and dedication of independence activists while reflecting on the significance of liberation with the citizens. The event was attended by over 300 people, including Mayor Kim, Uiwang City Council Chairman Seo Chang-soo, National Assembly member Lee So-young, city and provincial councilors, members of the Independence Association, veterans' organizations, and citizens. During the ceremony, the importance of remembering the spirit of love for the country and passing it on to future generations was emphasized, along with the need for unity among citizens to forge a new future for Uiwang. The program began with a performance by the Uiwang City Youth Choir, followed by a commemorative speech by Uiwang Independence Association Chairman Yoo Gwang-jun, awards for patriotic citizens, Mayor Kim's congratulatory address, a celebratory performance by the fusion traditional music group 'Eum,' and a cheer for independence. In his congratulatory address, Mayor Kim highlighted that Independence Day should not merely be remembered as a historical event but as a valuable principle that today’s Uiwang and future generations must uphold. Mayor Kim stated, "Independence is a proud history that our people have preserved and a precious value that must be passed on to future generations," adding, "I hope the 81st Independence Day serves as an opportunity for all citizens to unite and collaborate for a greater future for Uiwang." Attending citizens echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of remembering the sacrifices of their forebears and the need to properly convey the history of liberation to the next generation. Citizens expressed a desire for ongoing local events that allow families to reflect on the meaning of Independence Day together. They also voiced the importance of uniting as a community based on the spirit of independence to build a better future for Uiwang. Participants at the event joined in a cheer for independence, celebrating the joy of liberation and the meaning of love for their country. Attendees reflected on the sacrifices of independence activists and martyrs, acknowledging that today’s freedom and peace are possible because of their contributions, and they stressed the need to remember that spirit. Mayor Kim emphasized that during his administration, he will continue to promote citizen-centered urban development aligned with the values of independence, focusing on expanding transportation networks, revitalizing the local economy, and enhancing education, culture, and welfare sectors to ensure tangible urban progress for citizens. Additionally, Mayor Kim pledged, "I will do my utmost to ensure that all citizens unite and collaborate to create a greater future for Uiwang."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-16 21:48:00
  • Predictions for South Koreas National Fortune in the Second Half of 2026
    Predictions for South Korea's National Fortune in the Second Half of 2026 2026's second half predictions regarding South Korea's national fortune are gaining attention online.On August 16, various social media platforms saw discussions about 'South Korea's national fortune in the second half of 2026.'In a released video, a fortune teller, referred to as A, mentioned the possibility of provocations from North Korea, suggesting that the Gangwon Province area could be involved.A stated, "I think we might see provocations from North Korea around autumn to winter. I can't say for sure what it will be, but I sense there will be another incident involving casualties. It won't be related to the sea or airplanes, but rather natural disasters, like fires or earthquakes, so we should be cautious and prepared."Regarding North Korea's provocations, A noted, "If they decide to strike, there's not much we can do to prevent it. However, our national defense forces are not weak, so we should be able to manage, but it might become a significant issue for a while."When asked about the potential location of such provocations, A replied, "Currently, it seems to be around Gangwon Province. There are both coastal and inland areas there. Since it would be launched from the sky, it's hard to pinpoint the exact location, but it would likely be Gangwon."A also offered insights into the entertainment industry, saying, "I foresee a major scandal erupting in the entertainment sector. There are many incidents, but only a few become significant issues. However, I believe there will be another major incident, possibly involving someone's drunk driving or something similar."These remarks drew attention as they were based on predictions made public on August 4. Notably, North Korea had launched a ballistic missile into the East Sea from the Wonsan area on August 12. The entertainment industry has also faced controversy recently, particularly with allegations regarding actor Ha Young's pro-Japanese ancestry.Another fortune teller, referred to as B, also made similar predictions for the second half of 2026, stating, "Something significant is coming to our country, and it will lead to sadness and anger among the people. I see this happening around Seoul."B specifically mentioned October, saying, "Something major will occur in the second half, particularly in October. It will be an issue that could lead to nationwide unrest."On the economic front, B predicted continued difficulties for small business owners, stating, "Small business owners will struggle. I foresee a wave of closures. The economy may take another four to five years to recover. Ultimately, we will have to endure it."B also addressed the potential for military tensions, saying, "I hear a lot of gunfire and explosions. While I hesitate to say it, I believe there will be incidents related to military responses."B added, "Whether in the West Sea or the northern regions, we need to be cautious this year. While I don't foresee significant casualties, it won't feel like a normal situation, and the intensity will be high, leading to controversy."Both fortune tellers highlighted common themes, including North Korea's military provocations, natural disasters, major incidents centered around Seoul, economic downturns, and crises in the entertainment industry.However, some voices caution against placing excessive significance on the personal predictions of fortune tellers, noting that such claims lack scientific validation. In a climate of heightened political and social anxiety, there are calls for rational reflection on current issues and the pursuit of policy alternatives rather than reliance on uncertain prophetic claims. 2026-08-16 21:28:00
  • Ansan City Council Commemorates 81st Anniversary of Liberation with 1,200 Citizens
    Ansan City Council Commemorates 81st Anniversary of Liberation with 1,200 Citizens The Ansan City Council held a ceremony on August 15 to commemorate the 81st anniversary of Korea's liberation, reflecting on the sacrifices and dedication of those who fought for freedom. Over 1,200 citizens attended the event at the Ansan Cultural Arts Center's Haedoji Theater, including members of the Liberation Association, their families, veterans' organizations, local dignitaries, and residents.The ceremony began with a national tribute, followed by awards for distinguished contributors, speeches, celebratory performances, singing of the Liberation Day song, and cheers of 'Manse!' (Long live!). Attendees took the opportunity to reflect on the historical significance of liberation and honor the sacrifices made by their forebears.Among the attendees were Chairman Han Myung-hoon, Vice Chair Hyun Ok-soon, and various committee chairs and vice chairs, who participated in the national tribute, singing, and cheers alongside the citizens. Notably, Chairman Han presented an award to Kim Deok-hyun, a member of the Ansan branch of the Liberation Association, for his contributions to community development.Chairman Han stated, 'The spirit of liberation is the foundation of today's Republic of Korea. I will work with citizens to carry on this spirit and strive for the development of Ansan.'Citizens attending the event also reflected on the historical significance of Liberation Day, remembering the sacrifices and dedication of their ancestors. Various attendees, including members of the Liberation Association, veterans' organizations, and families, gathered to share in the celebratory performances, singing, and cheers, reinforcing the meaning of liberation.Participants emphasized the importance of viewing Liberation Day not merely as a commemoration but as an opportunity to reaffirm the values of freedom and peace, creating a meaningful moment for the community to remember its history.This celebration, marking the 81st anniversary of liberation, was significant as it brought together Ansan citizens and the local community to honor those who dedicated themselves to the nation and reflect on the meaning of liberation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-16 21:24:00