Korea marks Liberation Day with series of special events

2015-08-15 6

As well as proudly displaying the Korean flag outside their homes and businesses,... Koreans have been celebrating the country's 70th Liberation Day with a series of special events.
For a look at some of the ones taking place in Seoul,... here's our cultural correspondent Kim Ji-yeon.

"Seoul's iconic Gwanghwamun Plaza is a mix of red, white and blue, the colors of the Korean flag. To mark this extra special 70th anniversary of Korea's liberation… festivities including parades, a flash mob, dance and taekwondo performances,… have been held throughout the day."

At first glance, it may appear no different to any other piano.
But take a closer look and you'll find the strings are made out of rudimentary metal.
The sounds it makes are also completely unlike your stereotypical piano.
This instrument, called the "Piano for Unification" was presented at the Korean Chorus Festival alongside the National Chorus for Korea.


"The strings are made out of barbed-wire fence collected from the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas. We are playing this piano to celebrate Korea's Liberation Day. It's also to wish for a better future for our country; that is for a unified Korea."

Another special performance dubbed the "Arirang Cantabile" was held at the National Theater of Korea.
Traditional songs as well as those that represent the country were performed by an orchestra.
One of the songs included the "Arirang Fantasia" by Korean-born classical musician, composer and conductor, Ahn Eak-tai.
The song later became the basis for the national anthem.
Kim Ji-yeon, Arirang News.