HomeKorean AmericanKoreans Celebrate 74 Years of Independence at New York City Hall
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Koreans Celebrate 74 Years of Independence at New York City Hall

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Story and photos by Shirley Ng

New York City celebrated Korean Independence Day from Japanese rule in the City Hall Chambers yesterday.  It was seventy-four years ago on August 13, 1945 that Korea was liberated from the allies when the Japanese surrendered, marking the end of World War II. Korean Independence Day has been traditionally celebrated two days later on August 15.

Long Island Korean School Children’s Choir sings the US National Anthem.
Photo credit: Shirley L. Ng

The celebration began with the National Anthem sung by the children’s choir from the Long Island Korean School. They wore traditional Korean clothing called the ‘hanbok.”

Complementary Korean food served in the City Hall rotunda. Photo credit: Shirley L. Ng

Complementary Korean food such as japchae, pork buns, crab cakes and more were served in the rotunda before the celebration began.

Opening remarks by Hyo-Sung Park, the Ambassador of The Republic of Korea spoke about the current independence and growing economy of South Korean and to “never forget” this day.

Hyo-Sung Park, Ambassador of The Republic of Korea. Photo credit: Shirley L. Ng 2019

The Korean Traditional Folk Song Association sang and performed a drum dance. The children’s choir sang an additional Korean song to end the evening. 

NYC Council Member Paul Vallone led the evening and honored the following organizations for their work and dedication to the Korean community; The Korean American Family Service Center, Kwang Bok Association of New York, The Korean American Association of Greater New York and The National Unification Advisory Council New York Chapter.  

Korean Traditional Folk Song Association gives a drum performance.
Photo credit: Shirley L. Ng
President Charles Yoon of Kwang Bok Association of New York receives a proclamation.
Photo credit: Shirley L. Ng
Executive Director Jeehae Fisher and Board Chair, Esther Lim of The Korean American Family Service Center receives a proclamation. Photo credit: Shirley L. Ng
Aiyoung Choi, Chair, Steering Committee of Women Cross DMZ and Sharon Lee,
Deputy Queens Borough President share a photo together. Photo credit: Shirley L. Ng

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