80 Years of Liberation: Youth Carry Korea’s Spirit of Independence Forward

By Sean Hwang '26 • Jan 17, 2025

To mark the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and The Seoul Shinmun co-hosted the “Gwangbok 80 Marketplace” at Gwanghwamun Square from January 17–19. The event, honoring the nation’s independence movement and its ongoing legacy, featured a special group of 80 youth volunteers — students and young people who gathered to celebrate and carry forward the values of freedom and unity.

The marketplace sold more than 11,800 donated items, from handmade crafts to personal keepsakes, with all proceeds going to support the descendants of independence activists. Inspired by the open-air markets that became centers of protest during the 1919 March 1st Independence Movement, the event recreated nine historical “market booths,” each themed around different regions of Korea and their unique independence heroes.

Springfield Commonwealth Academy Students Join the Mission

Among the 80 volunteers were 10 Korean students from Springfield Commonwealth Academy (SCA) in Boston, Massachusetts, who returned to Korea during winter break to take part in the event. Led by SCA faculty member Ms. Esther Kim, the group joined local volunteers to introduce independence heroes and sell donation items at the booths.

Sihyun Park (18) said, “Many Americans don’t know much about Korea’s history or the pain of Japanese occupation. After returning to school, I want to share what I learned about Korea’s liberation and its meaning.”Her classmate, Jason Lee (17), added, “Before college, I wanted to engage in meaningful volunteer work. I’ve always been interested in history — after watching films like Harbin, I began thinking deeply about patriotism. When I heard about this event, I wanted to help the independence heroes who still inspire us today.”

Art and Youth Across Generations

High school students from Seonghee Girls’ High School in Andong, the hometown of many historic independence leaders, contributed portraits of 16 local patriots. Art club member Minju Kang (18) shared, “While drawing, I studied their stories closely and realized the depth of their sacrifice.” Another student, Dabin Kim (18), said, “I hope to continue painting portraits of independence fighters from other regions to honor their dedication.”

A Celebration of Art, Memory, and Hope

In addition to student volunteers, the event also brought together public figures and artists. The youth volunteer group “Crayong,” composed of creators and influencers, helped organize donation drives with celebrities from popular shows like Physical 100 and Transit Love. Other youth groups, such as the Uijeongbu Youth Diplomacy Corps, designed and sold handcrafts including “Gwangbok Lucky” keyrings, hibiscus-patterned pouches, and scarves marking the 80th anniversary.

Meanwhile, at the regional booths, visitors enjoyed cultural performances and exhibitions — from the Kkokdugwangdae Theater’s wooden mask display in Goesan to a dance performance inspired by the “March Girls” of the independence movement in Jeonju.

A Living Legacy

The Gwangbok 80 Marketplace was more than a commemorative event; it was a living classroom where young people — from Seoul to Boston — connected with Korea’s past and its ideals of resilience and unity.

As SCA student Sihyun Park reflected, “Freedom isn’t just something we inherit — it’s something we must keep alive.”