The 80th Anniversary of National Liberation Is Not an End, but a New Beginning.

Honorable citizens of Incheon,

To all members of the Heritage of Korean Independence 

who devoted themselves to our nation’s liberation,

to the men and women of national merit for independence and their bereaved families,

and to the 35,000 patriots, veterans, and their families,

I extend my deepest gratitude and heartfelt condolences.

Today, as we celebrate the meaningful 80th anniversary of National Liberation,

we gather to honor the noble spirit of the fallen patriots and patriotic activists

who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of our homeland.

I would especially like to express my deepest respect and renewed gratitude

to Chairman Lee Wan-seok of the Incheon Branch of the Heritage of Korean Independence,

and to all the members who have joined us here today.

Beloved citizens and families of patriots and veterans,

Incheon has always taken the lead at every pivotal moment in our history.

Whenever our nation was in crisis, it was ordinary neighbors and everyday families

who stood up first for our country, and because of them, 

a free Republic of Korea and a peaceful Incheon were made possible.

This year is especially significant, as it marks the 75th anniversary of the Incheon Landing.

As the historic site where the Incheon Landing unfolded,

Incheon will continue to strengthen its identity as a “City of Freedom and Peace”

and a “City of National Defense and Veterans’ Affairs.”

To this end, we will accelerate the construction of the Incheon Integrated Veterans Hall,

and provide a dedicated space for the Incheon Branch of the Heritage of Korean Independence,

creating a living classroom that honors our forebears

and passes down the noble spirit of national liberation to future generations.

Honoring the families of patriots and veterans is not just a matter of formality.

We will implement comprehensive veterans’ policies that leave no room for neglect,

providing not only financial support but also emotional comfort, medical care, and educational support.

Honored citizens,

Since National Liberation, over the past 80 years, 

our people have risen from the ruins 

to become one of the world’s top ten economies,

blossoming into a vibrant liberal democracy 

and establishing ourselves as a cultural powerhouse.

Through the 6th and 8th popularly elected administrations,

Incheon has achieved remarkable transformation.

We are advancing policies to place 

the Gyeongin Line and the Gyeongin Expressway underground,

reimagining our city as an urban space more familiar and accessible to our citizens.

The Inner Port of Incheon and our original downtown are being reborn

as the central axis of the Republic of Korea’s future economy,

with world-class bio and semiconductor companies coming together

to lead the nation’s core growth industries.

The fourth-phase expansion of Incheon International Airport

is one of the Republic of Korea’s main growth engines.

By linking the airport infrastructure and the Incheon Free Economic Zone,

we will develop IFEZ into a global economic hub.

We will also expedite the opening of GTX Line B 

and the extension of Seoul Subway Line 7,

realizing a 30-minute living zone across the metropolitan area

and improving transportation convenience for our citizens.

Incheon Metropolitan City has improved citizens’ lives

not with the size of its budget, but through ideas and the power of execution.

With the Cheonwon (1,000-Won) Jipdeurim Housing Program, 

we provided housing stability for newlyweds.

With the Incheon i-Sea Pass, 

we opened up new routes connecting the islands and the mainland.

With the Cheonwon (1,000-Won) Taekbae Delivery Service, 

we strengthened the competitiveness of small business owners.

And the i+ Ieodeurim, Maejeodeurim, and Gilleodeurim programs

have become Incheon’s comprehensive solution to the low birthrate crisis,

and are now policies being adopted nationwide.

All of these achievements were made possible

by searching for answers on the ground and rising to challenges together

with our 3 million Incheon citizens.

Now, together with 7 million overseas Koreans,

Incheon is soaring to become a global maritime city of 10 million.

Incheon International Airport, Incheon Port, and the Incheon Free Economic Zone

are now becoming stages for global exchange.

Incheon is working to establish an economic community 

that brings together Asia’s major maritime cities,

walking “Incheon’s path” from the sea to peace, 

and from peace to prosperity.

Beloved and respected citizens,

Today, on the 80th anniversary of National Liberation,

we must move beyond division and conflict and walk the path of true national unity.

We must build a unified Republic of Korea 

that transcends ideology, region, generation, and class.

Incheon will stand at the center, 

leading the nation’s integration with a spirit of coexistence and inclusion.

On this 80th anniversary of National Liberation, 

I renew my commitment to Incheon’s future.

I can still feel the warm hand of the grandmother at Seokbawi Market,

who took my hand and said, “Mayor, please don’t forget people like us.”

From that day, I resolved to always stay grounded in the field,

believing that “the answer is always on the ground.”

“If you go alone, you go fast. If you go together, you go far.”

The journey I have walked with our citizens is far from over.

The 80th anniversary of National Liberation is not an end, but a new beginning.

Now is the time to go beyond the ideals our forebears dreamed of,

and to build Incheon into a global maritime city that contributes to world peace

and leads the prosperity of humanity.

For the next 80 years, Incheon will continue to lead the Republic of Korea.

We will realize true popular sovereignty through a constitutional amendment for decentralization,

and we will demonstrate innovative and inclusive leadership with responsibility and sincerity.

As the 80-year history of National Liberation has proven, every crisis is an opportunity.

Challenge is the driving force of growth.

Just as our ancestors did, we too will write a new chapter in history

with unwavering determination and passionate spirit.

With the dreams and hopes of our 3 million Incheon citizens in our hearts,

let’s join forces so that the next generation can live in an even happier Incheon.

Let’s soar once again with our courage and passion!

We are Incheon! Incheon is the Republic of Korea!

Finally, I extend my deepest gratitude once again

to the members of the Heritage of Korean Independence and all veterans’ organizations,

as well as to the men and women of national merit for independence and their bereaved families,

who have made this meaningful occasion even brighter with their presence.

I pay my deepest respects and tributes to 

the spirits of our fallen patriots and independence activists,

and pray for their eternal rest.

Thank you.