In commemoration of the UNESCO-designated '150th Anniversary of Kim Gu's Birth,' throughout August, diverse commemorative projects are being intensively held nationwide to reflect on the life and thoughts of Baekbeom Kim Gu in contemporary ways. The Ministry of Veterans Affairs announced today (August 2) its plan to promote these intensive commemorative projects, stating its intention to widely publicize Kim Gu's spirit of independence and philosophy of peace both domestically and internationally, while encouraging future generations to carry on this legacy.

In particular, these commemorative projects hold great significance in that UNESCO has designated Kim Gu's 150th birth anniversary as a commemorative year, securing international standing. The Ministry of Veterans Affairs plans to maximize public interest by including not only traditional forms of commemorative projects such as academic events, exhibitions, and performances, but also innovative participation methods that can capture the interest of younger generations.

The core of the intensive commemorative projects is the 'Cultural Week' running from August 25 to 30. During this period, which will be conducted under the theme of "My Wish, Culture of Peace," various programs that illuminate the life and philosophy of Baekbeom Kim Gu will reach citizens. A participatory music concert will be held to form consensus on peace, which was Kim Gu's aspiration, and an international academic conference analyzing Kim Gu's leadership in depth will be held to re-examine the depth of his ideology.

[Photo=Yonhapnews]

Particularly noteworthy are the participatory contents incorporating modern technology. From August 26 to 30, a large media wall themed on Kim Gu's representative work "My Wish" will be installed around Gwanghwamun. Through this, passing citizens will have the opportunity to encounter Kim Gu's philosophy of peace in a visual and immersive way and reflect on his message. Additionally, ahead of the Cultural Week, a mobile game content allowing virtual experience of Kim Gu's independence movement journey will be unveiled. This is a strategy designed to help younger generations easily and familiarly understand the history of the independence movement and naturally grasp the spirit of Teacher Kim Gu.

Efforts are also being made in parallel to heighten national participation enthusiasm. Large-scale promotional campaigns will be sequentially held in four cities across the country. These campaigns are expected to promote the achievements and thoughts of Teacher Kim Gu while taking into account the characteristics of each region, and to provide opportunities for citizens of various age groups to directly participate in the commemorative projects. On August 29, an official commemoration ceremony celebrating the 150th anniversary of Teacher Kim Gu's birth will be held, expected to mark the climax of these intensive commemorative projects.

The Ministry of Veterans Affairs hopes that, through this UNESCO commemorative year, Baekbeom Kim Gu's spirit of independence and philosophy of peace will become more easily and familiarly accessible to future generations through modern content such as mobile games and media walls. Furthermore, it has expressed the prospect that citizens will inherit his noble intentions and contribute to building a peaceful and prosperous society. This month is expected to be an important period in which Kim Gu's ideology communicates with the times and becomes established as a living value.