79th National Liberation Day Commemorative Address

The dream of independence, freedom, and a better life for our people! 

That dream brought about the liberation of our homeland.

To our esteemed independence activists and their families,

To the 3 million citizens of Incheon and the 7 million Koreans living abroad:

Today, we celebrate the 79th anniversary of Korea’s liberation 

and the 76th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Korea. 

It is a deeply meaningful day, made possible 

by the sacrifice and dedication of our independence heroes. 

Because of them, we can proudly proclaim 

the greatness of the Republic of Korea at present. 

I offer my heartfelt gratitude and respect to them, 

as well as to the independence activists and their families.

The independence movement led by our ancestors was not just a struggle

 to reclaim national sovereignty from Japanese rule. 

It was also a fight for the future—to build a nation that could stand proudly 

among the world’s best. It was a struggle fueled by dreams and boundless hope.

Today, the Republic of Korea stands tall on the global stage 

as a nation with a strong economy and robust defense

—just as our independence heroes had dreamed. 

This achievement is the result of their unwavering determination and spirit, 

which never faltered even in the face of the harshest adversities.

Even in those dark and tragic times when our country and culture were lost, 

and despite our language being taken away, 

our ancestors never abandoned their dream of independence, 

freedom, and a better life for our people. 

That dream led to the liberation of our nation.

Dosan Ahn Chang-ho once said, 

“If our cause is unjust, we will fail; if it is just, we will succeed.”

Today, as a citizen of the Republic of Korea 

and the Mayor of Incheon Metropolitan City, 

I pledge to carry on that legacy and work together 

with the people of Incheon to create a great era for our city.

'The great spirit of our nation, which cried out for peace and equality'

will be carried forward by Incheon, a city of coexistence and inclusiveness.

Dear citizens of Incheon,

Our city of Incheon has big dreams. As Korea’s leading economic city, 

we are vigorously preparing to join the ranks of the world’s top 10 cities, 

with a vision of becoming a global city where citizens live in happiness.

Incheon has long been a city of “coexistence and inclusiveness.” 

Since the opening of Incheon Port, we have chosen the path 

of shared progress rather than division and exclusion.

Today, Incheon is home to a diverse population of Koreans

from all over the country, including North Koreans, Yanbian, and Sakhalin. 

We have always united around a shared dream, driving Incheon’s growth 

into a global city with a free economic zone and a cosmopolitan mindset.

One of the core principles of the March 1st Movement was peace and equality. 

The Declaration of Independence clearly states that our nonviolent, 

peaceful movement aimed to inform the world 

that all humanity is equal and to oppose imperialistic military rule.

Our independence heroes, in their struggle for national sovereignty, 

demonstrated a great spirit that called for world peace 

and human equality, even as they sacrificed their lives.

We reflect on the bold courage and noble spirit of sacrifice 

that made a free and happy world possible.

September 15 is Incheon Landing Operation Memorial Day. 

We commemorate the spirit of our national army and the brave people 

from around the globe who gathered here in Incheon 

to resist military invasion and realize freedom and peace.

As Baekbeom Kim Gu said, “We must create a culture of love and peace 

where all of humanity can live together in harmony and joy.”

Incheon will strive to be remembered 

as a true “City of World Peace” by people all over the world.

Since the opening of Incheon Port in 1883, 

Incheon has developed as a city of inclusiveness and growth. 

With the opening of Incheon International Airport in 2001, 

it has also become an international hub. 

By reclaiming land from the sea, 

we created the world’s best international airport 

and hosted the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, 

and now, as the Republic of Korea’s leading economic city, 

we are entering the third era of Incheon’s opening

—a time of global inclusion and openness, 

shared by 3 million Incheon citizens and 7 million Koreans overseas.

The dreams of our independence heroes, 

who longed for a peaceful, free, and happy world, 

are alive and thriving here in Incheon, 

driving the greatness of the Republic of Korea.

Today, on August 15, 2024, as we mark the 79th National Liberation Day, 

we once again reflect on the bold courage 

and noble spirit of sacrifice that made all this possible.

The dream of Incheon becoming Korea’s future 

is rooted in the sacred spirit of liberation. 

We will remember the independence heroes 

who became the guardians of liberation, freedom, and peace 

with their unwavering desire to reclaim our nation. 

As Incheon, the City of Patriotism and Veterans Affairs, 

we will continue to honor the families of veterans and dedicate ourselves 

to promoting the spirit of national defense through various commemorative projects.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the head 

of the Incheon branch of the Heritage of Korean Independence, 

the members of veterans’ organizations, and the independence activists 

and their families who have graced us with their presence today.