Special 'Citizen Appointment Ceremony' Held for Liberation Day
President Lee Jae-myung will hold an unprecedented 'Citizen Appointment Ceremony' on August 15th, to mark Liberation Day.
This event realizes President Lee's promise made during his inauguration to hold an appointment ceremony with the public, despite not having a separate inauguration ceremony. In particular, it is expected to be a meaningful occasion that reaffirms the significance of popular sovereignty, with citizens directly reading the appointment letters to the President.
On the 28th, Woo Sang-ho, senior secretary for political affairs at the Presidential Office, stated during a briefing at the Yongsan Presidential Office, "President Lee made a promise on June 4th to conduct an appointment ceremony with the public without a separate inauguration. It is planned to be held together with the 80th anniversary of Liberation."
The appointment ceremony, titled 'The Grand Festival of Popular Sovereignty, Building the Future with 80 Years of Popular Sovereignty since Liberation,' is planned as an open event that anyone can attend.
Inviting 10,000 Citizens from Various Walks of Life
Approximately 10,000 citizens from various sectors are expected to be invited to this appointment ceremony.
Special invitees will include various individuals who have contributed to the development of the Republic of Korea since Liberation in 1945.
From the "Liberation Babies" born after the liberation who have safeguarded and developed the history of the Republic of Korea for over 80 years, to the representatives of the first 12 companies listed when the Korea Stock Exchange was founded in 1956, and witnesses of the nation's history including those who reached the summit of Mount Everest in 1977, they will all gather in one place.
In addition, patriots and independence activists, as well as veterans of the state, German dispatched workers, and construction workers in the Middle East—key figures in the economic growth of the Republic of Korea—will also be invited.
Residents of Gangwon Goseong and Jeju Marado, who provide hope in the face of regional extinction and population decline, awardees in the cultural and artistic fields, and uniformed citizens such as soldiers, police officers, and firefighters will participate as well.
Notably, families of deceased public officials as well as families affected by social disasters and industrial accidents will be included in the guest list to show that the state remembers their sacrifices.
Promising individuals representing future generations in economic, scientific, and cultural fields will also attend, making it an intergenerational event.
The citizen appointment ceremony will be conducted under the title "I Appoint You as My President" and will last about 30 minutes, followed by a celebration performance for Liberation Day.
This event also includes former presidents as invitees, but it has been reported that former President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife are excluded.
The citizen appointment ceremony, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Liberation, is expected to reaffirm the meaning of popular sovereignty and be a significant occasion that encompasses the past, present, and future of the Republic of Korea.
It is anticipated to be an opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of a popular sovereignty era through this extraordinary event where citizens directly appoint their president.
Meanwhile, Senior Secretary Woo Sang-ho commented on the special pardon requested for former Justice Minister Cho Kuk ahead of Liberation Day, saying, "It is true that petitions requesting a pardon are being received from various religious and civic groups, but we have not started serious deliberations yet."
Image source: President Lee Jae-myung delivering his inaugural address on June 4th at the Rotunda Hall, National Assembly, Yeouido, Seoul, 2025.6.4 / News1, President Lee Jae-myung and Kim Hye-kyung singing the national anthem before the presidential oath of office on June 4th at the National Assembly, Yeouido, Seoul, 2025.6.4 / News1, former President Yoon Suk-yeol / News1
