Independence Day , 15th August : Celebrating the Liberation of Korea from Japan in 1945

The Resonant Dawn: Gwangbokjeol - Korea's Triumph of Light Over Darkness on the 80th Anniversary of Liberation in 2025

The air across the Korean Peninsula on the 15th of August, 2025, hums with a profound resonance, a collective heartbeat echoing eighty years of hard-won freedom. This is Gwangbokjeol (광복절), the Day the Light Returned, marking the momentous liberation of Korea from thirty-five years of harsh Japanese colonial rule in 1945. In this year, the 80th anniversary, the celebrations carry an even deeper weight, a poignant blend of triumphant remembrance, solemn reflection on division, and a forward-looking aspiration for enduring peace and unity. Understanding Gwangbokjeol requires immersing oneself not just in the events of August 1945, but in the crushing weight of the occupation it ended, the complex, often painful journey since, and the vibrant, resilient spirit of a people who reclaimed their nationhood.

The Long Night: The Crucible of Japanese Occupation (1910-1945)

To grasp the magnitude of Gwangbokjeol, one must first comprehend the profound darkness of the era it terminated. Japan's formal annexation of Korea in 1910, following years of increasing political pressure and the imposition of the 1905 Protectorate Treaty, initiated a period designed to systematically erase Korean identity and exploit the peninsula for Japan's imperial ambitions. The occupation was characterized by ruthless policies of cultural suppression, economic plunder, and political oppression. The Korean language was marginalized and eventually banned in schools and official settings, replaced by Japanese. Korean history was distorted in textbooks to portray Koreans as inherently backward and in need of Japanese guidance. Korean names were forcibly changed to Japanese ones in a brutal campaign known as Sōshi-kaimei, severing individuals from their familial and cultural lineage. Freedom of speech, press, and assembly were extinguished. Korean political parties and organizations were dissolved, and resistance was met with brutal force by the Japanese military police, the Kempeitai. Tens of thousands of Korean independence activists were imprisoned, tortured, and executed. Figures like Kim Gu, Syngman Rhee, and the young martyr Yu Gwan-sun became symbols of unyielding resistance, their sacrifices fueling the underground movement.

Economically, Korea was transformed into a resource colony and a captive market. Fertile agricultural land was seized for Japanese companies and settlers, leading to widespread tenant farming and impoverishment among Korean peasants. Mineral resources, timber, and rice were systematically extracted and shipped to Japan, often causing local shortages and famine. Korean industries were stifled or taken over by Japanese conglomerates (zaibatsu), hindering indigenous economic development. The human cost escalated dramatically during the Pacific War (World War II). Hundreds of thousands of Korean men were conscripted as laborers, often under horrific conditions, to work in Japanese mines, factories, and construction projects across the empire, including the infamous "comfort women" system of sexual slavery imposed on young Korean women and girls. Others were forcibly drafted into the Japanese Imperial Army. The home front suffered under intensified resource extraction and ideological mobilization. This period was not merely foreign rule; it was an assault on the very essence of Korean nationhood, culture, and dignity. The longing for liberation, for the "return of light" (Gwangbok), became an all-consuming national aspiration.

The Dawning: The Tumultuous Summer of 1945 and Liberation

Liberation in August 1945 arrived not through a singular, decisive Korean military victory, but as a consequence of the cataclysmic end of World War II in the Pacific. The relentless Allied advance, culminating in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima (August 6) and Nagasaki (August 9), forced Japan's hand. On August 15, 1945, at noon Japan Standard Time, Emperor Hirohito's voice, previously unheard by the common people, crackled over the radio airwaves in his historic Gyokuon-hōsō (Jewel Voice Broadcast). He announced Japan's acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration, effectively surrendering unconditionally to the Allied Powers. While the broadcast euphemistically spoke of "enduring the unendurable" and "suffering what is insufferable," the meaning was unmistakable: the war was over, and Japan had lost.

News of the broadcast, though fragmented initially, spread like wildfire across Korea. The impact was instantaneous and electric. Decades of pent-up emotion erupted. People poured into the streets of Seoul, Pyongyang, Busan, Daegu, and countless villages, weeping, laughing, embracing strangers, and dancing with unrestrained joy. Improvised Korean flags (Taegeukgi), often hidden at great personal risk during the occupation, suddenly appeared everywhere – hastily sewn, painted on walls, waved triumphantly. Spontaneous celebrations erupted, fueled by a profound sense of disbelief giving way to overwhelming relief and euphoria. The seemingly unbreakable chains of Japanese authority visibly dissolved overnight as officials retreated, police vanished, and symbols of colonial power were torn down. Korean political prisoners were released from jails, adding to the emotional scenes of reunion and vindication. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated national catharsis, a visceral experience of collective liberation that etched itself permanently into the Korean psyche. August 15th was immediately recognized as the day the light returned, the day Korea was reborn.

The Complex Aftermath: Liberation, Not Unification

However, the jubilation of liberation was swiftly tempered by harsh geopolitical realities and the seeds of future division. The surrender agreement led to the immediate military occupation of Korea. Based on a hastily conceived and operationally convenient plan (often attributed to U.S. Colonels Dean Rusk and Charles Bonesteel), the peninsula was divided along the 38th parallel. Soviet forces accepted the surrender of Japanese troops north of the line, while U.S. forces did so south of it. This administrative division, intended to be temporary, solidified into separate zones of influence as the nascent Cold War tensions between the Soviet Union and the United States intensified. The deep ideological divides within the Korean independence movement itself – between leftists, nationalists, and conservatives – exacerbated the situation, finding patronage within the respective occupation zones.

Efforts to establish a unified Korean government through the U.S.-Soviet Joint Commission quickly stalled. By 1948, two separate states had emerged: the Republic of Korea (ROK) in the South, proclaimed on August 15, 1948 (deliberately chosen to coincide with Liberation Day), and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the North, proclaimed on September 9, 1948. The dream of a single, independent Korea, born on August 15, 1945, was shattered within three years. The devastating Korean War (1950-1953) cemented this division with immense bloodshed and destruction, leaving a legacy of pain, separation, and an enduring Cold War stalemate that persists to this day. Therefore, Gwangbokjeol, while celebrating liberation from Japan, is also inevitably intertwined with the poignant reality of national division, a bittersweet reminder of an aspiration still unfulfilled.

Gwangbokjeol: The Fabric of National Celebration and Remembrance

In South Korea (ROK), Gwangbokjeol is one of the five major National Celebration Days (Gukgyeong-il), observed with profound solemnity, deep gratitude, and patriotic fervor. The day is a national holiday, a time for collective reflection and national pride. Central to the commemorations is the official Ceremony of the Commemoration of Gwangbokjeol, held at the Independence Hall of Korea in Cheonan or at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul. This grand state ceremony is attended by the President, high-ranking government officials, foreign dignitaries, independence activists or their surviving family members (a dwindling number as the years pass), military leaders, and citizens. The ceremony is rich in symbolism: the national flag is prominently displayed, the national anthem (Aegukga) is sung with immense emotion, a solemn declaration is read, commemorative speeches (especially by the President) reflecting on the meaning of liberation, the sacrifices made, the challenges overcome, and the aspirations for the future are delivered. A moment of silent prayer honors the countless patriots who perished fighting for freedom. Wreaths are laid at monuments dedicated to independence heroes. Cultural performances showcasing traditional Korean music, dance, and arts, suppressed during the occupation, are a vibrant assertion of reclaimed cultural identity.

Beyond the central ceremony, the spirit of Gwangbokjeol permeates every corner of society. Every building, public and private, large and small, flies the Taegeukgi. Streets are lined with flags, creating rivers of red, blue, white, and black. Homes display flags in windows and on balconies. Wearing accessories featuring the flag or its colors is common. This ubiquitous display is a powerful, visual manifestation of national unity and pride in hard-won sovereignty. Television and radio broadcast special programs: documentaries meticulously detailing the independence movement and the occupation era, interviews with historians and surviving independence fighters or their descendants, films about the liberation struggle, and live coverage of official ceremonies. Newspapers publish special editions with in-depth articles reflecting on the historical significance and contemporary meaning of the day.

Families use the holiday to visit the patriotic martyrs' cemeteries, such as the Seoul National Cemetery or the Daejeon National Cemetery. They pay respects at the graves of independence fighters, bowing deeply, offering food and drink in traditional ancestral rites (charye), cleaning the gravesites, and reflecting on the immense debt owed to those who sacrificed everything. It’s a deeply personal act of remembrance connecting generations. Many also visit museums and historical sites dedicated to this era. The Independence Hall of Korea in Cheonan is a major focal point, but numerous local museums, former prison sites like Seodaemun Prison History Hall in Seoul, and monuments scattered across the country see increased visitors. These places serve as tangible links to the past, preserving artifacts, documents, and stories of resistance and suffering.

Community events abound. Local governments organize parades featuring traditional performers, military bands, and floats depicting scenes from Korean history and the independence movement. Public concerts, ranging from solemn classical performances to contemporary K-pop acts singing patriotic songs, are held in parks and plazas. Exhibitions showcasing historical photographs, independence movement publications, and personal effects of activists are common. Traditional Korean games and activities are often organized for children, fostering a connection to cultural heritage denied during colonial times. Charitable activities supporting the remaining elderly independence activists and their families are also common, acknowledging their contributions and sacrifices. A unique tradition is the Special Presidential Pardon. Often timed for Gwangbokjeol, the President grants pardons to certain categories of prisoners, symbolizing national reconciliation and the spirit of renewal inherent in the liberation. While the specifics vary year to year, it remains a significant act linked to the day.

Gwangbokjeol 2025: The 80th Anniversary - Echoes Across Eight Decades

The 80th anniversary in 2025 imbues Gwangbokjeol with even greater significance. It represents a substantial passage of time, moving beyond living memory for the vast majority of the population. This anniversary is a powerful moment for intergenerational transmission. It places immense emphasis on educating younger generations – the 4th and 5th generations since liberation – about the realities of occupation and the value of freedom they inherit. Expect unprecedented educational campaigns: special school curricula, immersive exhibitions using augmented/virtual reality to recreate historical moments, widespread dissemination of testimonies through digital archives and social media, and documentaries specifically targeting youth audiences. The phrase "Remember History, Embrace Freedom" will resonate strongly. The theme of "The Enduring Spirit" will be central, highlighting not just the sacrifices of the past but the resilience, determination, and unity that fueled the independence movement and subsequently enabled South Korea's remarkable rise from the ashes of war to global prominence. This narrative connects the liberation struggle directly to modern achievements in technology, economics, and culture (the "Korean Wave" or Hallyu).

The surviving independence activists and their families will receive extraordinary recognition. With only a handful of centenarian activists potentially remaining, honoring them becomes paramount. Expect the highest state honors, prominent roles in ceremonies, dedicated documentaries capturing their final testimonies, and public expressions of profound national gratitude. Their physical presence serves as the last living bridge to 1945. The theme of "Liberation and Division" will be addressed with heightened sensitivity. While celebrating liberation from Japan, the persistent division of the peninsula remains an open wound. 2025 might see renewed calls for reconciliation, reflections on the shared history of suffering under Japan that both Koreas endured, and perhaps symbolic gestures aimed at fostering inter-Korean understanding, though always within the complex framework of current geopolitical realities. Events might acknowledge the shared experience of colonial oppression as a potential common ground.

Given the milestone, cultural and artistic expressions will be particularly ambitious. Major film productions, epic theatrical performances, large-scale public art installations, specially commissioned symphonies, and nationwide singing events featuring the beloved liberation-era song "Arirang" (a poignant unofficial anthem of Korean longing and resilience) and "Gwangbokjeol Norae" (The Liberation Day Song) will saturate the public sphere. The lyrics of "Gwangbokjeol Norae" – "That dawn, after the long, dark night, the light has returned to this land..." – will carry profound weight. The ubiquitous display of the Taegeukgi will reach new heights, with coordinated national campaigns encouraging even more widespread and creative displays. Special exhibitions in major museums will likely focus on untold stories, the diversity of resistance (armed struggle, diplomatic efforts, cultural preservation, education), and the global context of decolonization post-1945. Digital platforms will offer vast online archives and interactive experiences. International dimension will also be emphasized, highlighting the support (however complex) from the international community during the independence movement and the Allied role in defeating Japan. Diplomatic events and messages will likely focus on South Korea's role as a global citizen born from its struggle for freedom.

Food and Liberation: A Taste of Freedom

Even cuisine carries the resonance of Gwangbokjeol. While no single mandated dish exists, certain foods evoke the era and the spirit of celebration. Tteokguk (sliced rice cake soup), traditionally eaten for Korean New Year (Seollal), is sometimes enjoyed, symbolizing new beginnings and the fresh start liberation represented. Hearty, celebratory meals featuring meat dishes like bulgogi (marinated beef) or samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), which were often scarce luxuries during the occupation and war years, are common. Enjoying Korean rice itself, the staple grain whose production and consumption were heavily controlled and exploited by Japan, takes on a symbolic meaning of reclaimed sustenance and national self-sufficiency. Sharing abundant food with family and community reinforces the joy of freedom and regained prosperity.

Gwangbokjeol in North Korea (DPRK): A Different Interpretation

In North Korea, August 15th is also commemorated as Liberation Day (Jogukhaebangŭi nal / 조국해방의 날). However, the narrative and emphasis differ significantly, shaped by the DPRK's distinct ideology and historiography. The central focus is placed overwhelmingly on the role of Kim Il-sung, the founder of the DPRK and grandfather of current leader Kim Jong-un. North Korean historiography credits Kim Il-sung and his anti-Japanese guerrilla forces, operating from bases in Manchuria, as the primary and almost sole architects of Korea's liberation. This narrative downplays or ignores the contributions of other Korean independence groups, the broader Allied victory, and especially the role of the Soviet Union's military actions in Manchuria and northern Korea in August 1945. Liberation Day celebrations in the North are massive state-orchestrated events centered on loyalty to the Kim dynasty and the ruling Workers' Party of Korea. They feature large military parades showcasing the regime's strength (though not always held specifically on Aug 15), mass games involving thousands of performers (Arirang Festival if held around that time), grand rallies, and extensive propaganda emphasizing the Kim family's revolutionary lineage and the superiority of the North Korean system achieved through liberation. The day reinforces the regime's legitimacy and its narrative of self-reliance (Juche) in achieving freedom. While both Koreas mark the end of Japanese rule, the interpretations and political uses of the day diverge sharply.

The Enduring Resonance: Why Gwangbokjeol Matters in 2025 and Beyond

Eighty years on, Gwangbokjeol is far more than a historical footnote or a simple day off work. It is the cornerstone of modern Korean identity, the foundational moment from which both South and North Korea derive their legitimacy and national narrative. It represents the ultimate triumph of resilience – the ability of a nation and its people to endure profound cultural, political, and economic suffocation and emerge determined to reclaim their destiny. The day serves as an eternal memorial to the countless, often nameless, individuals who sacrificed their lives, freedom, and dignity in the long struggle against imperialism. Their courage remains a source of inspiration and a powerful rebuke to oppression.

Gwangbokjeol is also a living lesson in the preciousness and fragility of freedom. The occupation starkly demonstrates how easily sovereignty can be lost and how systematically national identity can be attacked. This historical memory fuels a deep commitment in South Korea to defending its democracy and hard-won prosperity. It fosters a strong sense of national unity (Hongik Ingan - living for the benefit of all) forged in the crucible of shared suffering and resistance. Furthermore, the day is inextricably linked to the ongoing aspiration for unification. The division of the peninsula is seen as the unfinished business of liberation. Gwangbokjeol celebrations, especially in the South, often carry a subtle undercurrent of hope and determination to eventually heal the nation's split, reuniting families and restoring territorial integrity, fulfilling the promise of that August dawn in 1945 for all Koreans.

In 2025, as South Korea commemorates the 80th anniversary of Gwangbokjeol, the day resonates with the echoes of joy from 1945, the sorrows of division and war, the pride in national achievements, and the persistent hope for a peaceful, unified future. It is a day to hang the Taegeukgi high, not just as a symbol of the state, but as a testament to the unbreakable spirit of a people who endured the long night and welcomed the return of their light. It is a day to remember the price paid, to honor the heroes known and unknown, to celebrate the vibrant nation built from the ashes, and to reaffirm the commitment that the light of freedom, once regained, must never be extinguished. The dawn of August 15, 1945, continues to illuminate the path forward, eight decades later.

Photo from: iStock

Share this

myearthisone