Nation to mark March 1 independence movement

The government will celebrate the 82nd anniversary of the March 1 independence movement at the Sejong Center for Performing Arts in Chongno-gu, Seoul Thursday morning. The commemorative event is expected to draw some 4,000 participants, including President Kim Dae-Jung and representatives from the legislative, judicial, and administrative branches.

About 300 others, including athletes such as Kim Young-Ho, a fencing gold medalist at the Sydney Olympics, and Kang Cho-Hyun, a shooting silver medalist, as well as up-and-coming intellectuals, venture entrepreneurs and people who overcame personal obstacles were also invited to the event.

Over ninety other commemorative events, including the tolling of the Poshin Gak bell, a ceremony to honor the memory of those who died during the March 1 independence movement and the reappearance of the March 1 cheers movement, are scheduled to take place at about 50 locations across the country.

Yang Ki-Dae kee@donga.com