"81 years since the light was restored — the joy of that day lives on" ... Songpa-gu seeks participants for its grand community chorus; event set for Aug. 14 at Lotte Concert Hall, applications accepted through July 3
"Those who participate are the owners; those who do not are merely guests."
So said Ahn Chang-ho, the independence activist known by his pen name Dosan.
Songpa-gu (district mayor Seo Gang-seok) is staging a large-scale community chorus featuring 1,815 residents to mark the 81st anniversary of Korea's liberation. Now in its fourth consecutive year, the Songpa-gu Grand Chorus is accepting applications through July 3.
Held under the theme "The Day the Light Was Restored — A Chorus of Joy," the event will take place at 3 p.m. on Aug. 14 at Lotte Concert Hall. Veterans' organizations, local choral groups, students, religious communities and residents of all generations and backgrounds will take the stage together to reflect on the meaning of liberation and celebrate community.
Marking its fourth edition this year, the event will also feature a newly added special performance — a celebratory stage carrying messages of the joy of independence and hope, designed to deepen the significance of Liberation Day.
Participants will wear red, blue or white shirts representing the colors of the Taegukgi, South Korea's national flag. The sight of exactly 1,815 singers — a number symbolic of the Aug. 15 liberation date — performing together is intended to embody the spirit of independence and community.
The program comprises seven songs, including "Liberation Day Song," "Independence Army Patriotic Song," "Beautiful Country" and "Beautiful Land." The set spans anthems of independence and patriotism to beloved songs that resonate across generations, inviting all to reflect on the value of liberation.
The Songpa-gu Grand Chorus has grown into the district's signature Liberation Day event. Last year, 1,815 residents packed Seoul Nori Madang for the performance, and the event was subsequently covered by more than 20 media outlets.
The chorus is open to anyone who lives or works in Songpa-gu. Individuals and groups wishing to participate may download an application form from the Songpa-gu website and submit it by email at kinkin10@songpa.go.kr, or in person at the district office's autonomous administration division or any neighborhood community center.
"The Songpa-gu Grand Chorus has grown into our district's defining Liberation Day event, built by residents themselves," district mayor Seo said. "I hope many more residents will join us this year to share in the emotion and pride of liberation and help create a truly meaningful stage."
For more information, visit the Songpa-gu district office website or contact the autonomous administration division.
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