Korean Dream Festival to mark 80th Liberation Day
Chung Un-chan, shown when he was prime minister, chairs the Korean Dream Festival Organizing Committee, The festival is planned for Aug. 15. Yonhap/EPA-EFE
SEOUL, June 13 (UPI) -- South Korea will host the 2025 Korean Dream Han River Festival on Aug 15 at Ttukseom Han River Park in Seoul to commemorate the 80th anniversary of liberation from Japanese colonial rule and promoting a civic movement for Korean reunification.
The details of the event were announced during a press briefing Friday at the Korea Press Center in central Seoul.
The festival is being organized by the Korean Dream Festival Organizing Committee, chaired by former Prime Minister Chung Un-chan. Former National Assembly Vice Speaker Chung Woo-taik and former Democratic Party floor leader Lee Jong-kul serve as co-chairs.
The festival is expected to draw more than 10,000 participants. Highlights include a 1,200-drone light show, a 1,000-member citizen choir and the debut performance of a new anthem for reunification.
"Reunification is not a distant aspiration, but a stepping stone toward a new national transformation," Chung Un-chan said. "This festival will provide a space for hope and unity."
Co-chair Chung Woo-taik described the Korean Dream as "a vision rooted in the national spirit of reconciliation and unity," while Lee Jong-kul urged broad public participation in recognition of the historic occasion.
Executive Chair Seo In-teck emphasized the symbolism of the Han River, which is formed by the confluence of the South and North Han Rivers.
"Just as the rivers merge and flow to the sea, this festival will represent the culmination of a national movement for harmony and integration," he said.
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