K-wave AI News

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story.

The Independence Hall of Korea will host a cultural celebration this Friday, August 15, to mark Liberation Day on the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan's colonial rule. Held under the theme "Light of the Nation," the event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring a wide range of performances and programs that showcase the spirit of independence and the significance of liberation. Highlights include an air show by the Air Force's Black Eagles, a taekwondo demonstration, and special guided tours of liberation-themed exhibitions. Organizers expressed hope that many will attend to reflect on the meaning of Korea's Liberation Day.

Also marking the milestone 80th anniversary, Busan's Gwangalli Beach hosted a special edition of the "Gwangalli M Drone Light Show." Some 1,500 drones lit up the night sky with images depicting independence activists such as Kim Gu and Yu Gwan-sun, as well as Ahn Jung-geun's severed finger, a powerful symbol of independence fighters' unwavering resolve. The Gwangalli Drone Show is one of Busan's signature weekend tourist attractions, with its theme changing each week to match the season. This week's performance was specially designed to commemorate Liberation Day.

Yeon Deok-chun, the first Korean pro golfer to win a major international tournament, has had his Korean name officially restored. Yeon, the late former advisor to the Korea Professional Golfers' Association, won the Japan Open in 1941 but was forced to compete and be recorded under a Japanese name during Japan's colonial rule. An official ceremony for the correction of his name and Japan Open records was held in Seoul on Tuesday. This came at the request of the Korean government, marking the 80th anniversary of liberation and the 60th anniversary of normalizing Seoul-Tokyo ties. Japan Golf Association Chief Operating Officer Hiroshi Yamanaka hinted after the ceremony that Yeon is highly likely to be inducted into the JGA Hall of Fame.

That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.