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Liberation Day Goes Digital: Young South Koreans Embrace Memes, Cosplay, and Running Events

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • Young South Koreans are finding creative and unconventional ways to commemorate Liberation Day on August 15.
  • Events range from themed cafe gatherings focused on criticizing historical collaborators to cosplay and running events that incorporate patriotic themes.
  • These initiatives aim to make historical remembrance more accessible and engaging for the younger generation, connecting past struggles with present-day hobbies.

Young South Koreans are finding novel ways to mark Liberation Day, moving beyond traditional solemn commemorations. A "Purge Pro-Japanese Traitors" themed cafe event, planned for August 15 near Independence Arch in Seoul, exemplifies this trend. Organizer Kim Ha-eun, 33, sees it as a way to make history accessible, blending the popular "birthday cafe" fan culture with national remembrance.

History cannot be light, but I think the barrier should be low. I hope you enjoy the event at the cafe and look around the nearby Independence Arch.

— Kim Ha-eunAn organizer of a themed Liberation Day event, explaining her approach to historical commemoration.

The event, held in a neighborhood historically linked to supporting independence activists imprisoned nearby, aims for a "B-grade sensibility" rather than heavy historical discourse. Merchandise includes a "Lee Wan-yong Gallbladder Squeeze Toy," referencing criticism of the pro-Japanese official's betrayal, and "Crushed Lee Wan-yong Coasters." Drink names also play on historical terms, like "Gabaericano" (using an old word for coffee) and "Japanese Soldier Blood Red Omija Tea."

I was struck by King Sejong's last words.

— Kim Ha-eunKim Ha-eun referencing a historical detail that inspired her interest in Liberation Day.

Beyond cafes, other hobbies are being infused with patriotic meaning. The "Comic World Liberation Day" event in Kintex will feature cosplay and fan creations, with participants planning to incorporate Korean flags and liberation themes, despite the genre's Japanese origins. Separately, a running event called "815 Run," organized by Korea Habitat since 2020, encourages participants to run 8.15 kilometers. Proceeds support housing improvements for descendants of independence activists.

I looked up various materials like documentaries and studied history. I believe all citizens share the same heart to be grateful to the independence activists and to move forward by clearing the past.

— Kim Ha-eunKim Ha-eun discussing her research and the underlying sentiment behind the event.

Professor Seo Kyoung-duk of Sungshin Women's University views these efforts positively. He believes that engaging young people through their interests, rather than solely through textbooks, is a valuable way to honor independence activists and Liberation Day, making history relevant and memorable.

Just as history education cannot be limited to books or textbooks, it is a good attempt for the younger generation to honor and re-examine independence activists and Liberation Day using what they like.

— Seo Kyoung-dukProfessor Seo Kyoung-duk commenting on the creative ways young people are engaging with history.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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