On the 9th, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that it, in collaboration with the Donghak Peasant Revolution Memorial Foundation, would hold the '131st Donghak Peasant Revolution Commemoration Ceremony' on the 11th at the Donghak Peasant Revolution Memorial Park located in Jeongeup, North Jeolla Province.
The Donghak Peasant Revolution is a historical event that took place in 1894, where people autonomously resisted the tyranny of corrupt officials, taxes, and foreign invasions. The commemoration ceremony for the Donghak Peasant Revolution honors May 11, the day of the first victory of the Donghak Peasant Army against the government troops and Japanese forces, and it was designated as a national holiday in 2019.
This year's ceremony will feature the theme 'The cry of the mugwort flower, a world of cohabitation,' with over 500 attendees, including relatives of participants of the Donghak Peasant Revolution and other stakeholders, reflecting on the historical significance of the Donghak Peasant Revolution.
First, a video themed on the Donghak Peasant Revolution using artificial intelligence (AI) will be shown, followed by the delivery of participant notification letters to the families of those who took part in the revolution. A representative of the families will then read a military proclamation that captures the background and goals of the 'Donghak Peasant Revolution', and traditional musician Kim Juri will perform a Korean dance, singing 'Saeya Saeya Parangsaeya', which symbolizes the Donghak Peasant Revolution.
Minister Yoo In-chon noted, 'The spirit of equality and dignity of the Donghak Peasant Revolution has become a source of strength that has allowed all citizens to overcome crises with indomitable will and for South Korea to take another leap forward.' He added, 'The Ministry will do its best to ensure that the noble spirit of the Donghak Peasant Revolution continues in our lives and culture.'