In light of the centennial of Korea's Provisional Government... a commemorative event was held in western Seoul on Thursday evening to mark the occasion.
Kim Ji-yeon was there and filed this report.
Alongside the rows of beautiful cherry blossoms... an event was held at the Yeouido Park Culture Square on Thursday where... an advance group of a military arm of Korea's provisional government landed... back in 1945... the same year the country gained independence from Japan.
"The event is a dedication to the efforts made by Korea's provisional government to fight for liberation from Japan's 35-year-long colonial rule."
Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon gave a commemorative speech during the event... underscoring the need to make the country walk the path envisioned by the provisional government.
"We have to make efforts to make the country better. We can't stop improving. We have to work towards making a peaceful and prosperous Korean peninsula... by overcoming the division of the two Koreas by cooperating with the international community."
Ten-thousand people are estimated to have attended the event... including government officials, former independence fighters and their descendants... as well as the general public.
That's ten times more than the amount that attended last year's event.
"One hundred years... it's such a huge milestone for Korea. It is also a time to reflect on the past in order to think about the next one hundred years. Last year, the event was small but this year it's different. I'm very happy to be here."
"I've followed the stories and heroic acts of the nation's independence fighters through TV shows and the events that led to our independence. Despite the cold weather, being here to honor their legacy is the least I could do."
The event included performances, a reenactment of the independence activists' efforts, and the arrival of the 'torch of independence' which traveled across the nation for 42 days.
Kim Ji-yeon, Arirang News.