Seoul to ring Bosingak Bell on Saturday to mark 81st Liberation Day

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced it will hold a bell-ringing ceremony at Bosingak in Jongno-gu on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. to mark the 81st anniversary of Liberation Day.

Held under the theme "The Sound of Liberation, Awakening the Future," the event is designed to reflect on the joy and significance of liberation and carry its spirit forward to the next generation.

Nine descendants of independence fighters recommended by the Korean Liberation Association will take part in the ceremony, along with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and Seoul Metropolitan Council Speaker Lim Man-gyun.

Among the descendants participating are Kim Sun-hee, child of patriot Kim Sang-gwon, who was arrested and imprisoned for anti-Japanese resistance activities; Seo Dong-heup, child of patriot Seo Dal-su, who organized the underground anti-Japanese network "Secret Comrades Society" while studying in Japan; and Kim Gyu-seong, granddaughter of patriot Kim Seung-ok, who led the Gochang March 1st Independence Movement.

Actor Jeong Jun-ho, an honorary mayor for culture and arts under the Seoul Metropolitan Government, will serve as emcee. A city official said that Jeong's wife, broadcaster Lee Ha-jeong, is the maternal granddaughter of independence activist Ahn Pil-su, adding further significance to his role.

Before the bell-ringing, three young arts talents nurtured by the city will perform on violin, traditional Korean instruments and in classical vocals. Twenty-two students majoring in musical theater at Seokyeong University's College of Performing Arts will also stage an original musical titled "Yeolmang" ("The Yearning for Independence").

After the 33 bell tolls, the ceremony will continue with three cheers of "Manse" followed by a mass chorus performed by the Seoul Future United Choir, a group of about 100 participants ranging from children to senior citizens.

An AI photo booth will be set up at the venue, allowing visitors to take pictures against backdrops evoking the moment of liberation. A heritage tour program visiting key independence movement sites — including Bosingak, Tapgol Park and Seodaemun Prison — will run about 13 times through Nov. 8.

The city plans to set up indoor cooling shelters for elderly and child performers in preparation for the heat, and will provide bottled water and cooling patches to attendees.

Min Su-hong, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Culture Bureau, said he hopes the event will go beyond commemorating the joy of liberation and serve as "a resonance of hope in which our history awakens future generations."