The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on August 5 that an Eve Festival titled “80 Years of Liberation,” will take place at the Heungnyemun Square in Gyeongbokgung Palace at 8 p.m. on August 14.

Held under the theme “We Are Light,” the festival aims to bring together the Korean people who have guided the country for the past 80 years and look ahead to a brighter, hopeful future.

The evening will see performances by leading figures from popular culture—including Tomorrow X Together (TXT), Beomjeop, Insooni, fromis_9, and H1-KEY—as well as top-tier artists from various fields: the National Dance Company of Korea, National Chorus of Korea, Seoul Performing Arts Company, Sodo Band, the Historical Children’s Choir, and Harmonize. Together, they promise a spectacular stage that bridges diverse genres.

In addition to a program encompassing Korean traditional music, musicals, choral pieces, and other traditional arts, the event will leverage artificial intelligence (AI) technology and media facade projections to deliver a fresh and moving experience to all in attendance.

The Eve Festival is open to all citizens. Those who wish to participate as members of the “Companions of Light” can apply with one companion on the websites of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism or the 80th Liberation Anniversary Committee until August 7.

If applicants exceed capacity, a lottery will determine the final participants, who will be individually notified via text message on August 9.

Choi Hwi-yeong, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated, “I hope that the Eve Festival for the 80th anniversary of liberation becomes a meaningful time when everyone can feel each other’s presence as light and connect through culture. We will ensure the festival allows everyone to reflect on the significance of liberation, preparing it with utmost care.”

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Republic of Korea Policy Briefing