Gukmin Imyeongsik (People’s Appointment Ceremony) on Liberation Day: What Happens in Gwanghwamun? (August 15, 2025)
Overview: What is the “People’s Appointment Ceremony”?
The People’s Appointment Ceremony is an unprecedented national event where, instead of the traditional inauguration, citizens symbolically “appoint” the President. The name, Gukmin Imyeongsik in Korean, literally means “Citizen Appointment Ceremony,” emphasizing that sovereignty belongs to the people.
The background traces back to June 4, 2025, when President Lee Jae-myung held a brief swearing-in ceremony at the National Assembly Rotunda without a large-scale inauguration. At the time, the government promised a later public event where “the President is appointed by the people,” and this Liberation Day evening in Gwanghwamun fulfills that pledge.
Key Event Information
1) Date & Venue
August 15, 2025 (Friday), starting at 8:00 PM in Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul. A large circular stage will be set up at the center with giant LED towers, ensuring clear visibility for all attendees.
2) Who & How
The centerpiece of the event is the presentation of appointment certificates by 80 citizen representatives. These representatives include “Gwangbok babies” (born on Liberation Day), Korean War survivors, symbolic figures from democratic movements (4·19, 5·18, 6·10), and ordinary citizens from various walks of life. Around 3,500 citizens will attend through online pre-registration.
3) Program Highlights
The program includes a theme video titled “Building the Future with People’s Sovereignty”, introductions of citizens’ hopes, the presentation of appointment certificates by the 80 representatives, and cultural performances with advanced light and media productions.
Why This Ceremony Matters
First, it reaffirms people’s sovereignty. The symbolism of citizens appointing the President directly recalls the principle of delegated power. Holding it on the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day links the ceremony to Korea’s historic trajectory—from regaining national sovereignty, through democratization, to today’s participatory public sphere.
Second, it breaks with traditional inauguration customs. Skipping lavish inaugural parades and receptions in favor of a later public appointment event signals a priority on substance over protocol, and on direct engagement with citizens.
Third, the venue is politically charged. Gwanghwamun Square has been the stage for major political and social movements over the last decade. The circular, open stage layout emphasizes horizontality and participation, visually reinforcing the democratic message.
Controversies & Political Reactions
The event has drawn both interest and criticism. Some opposition and conservative figures have announced they will not attend, citing political overtones. Others view the boycott itself as proof of the ceremony’s political weight. The challenge will be ensuring the core message of people’s sovereignty is not overshadowed by partisan conflict.
Quick Facts
- Date/Time: August 15, 2025, 8:00 PM
- Venue: Gwanghwamun Square, central circular stage, LED towers
- Main Sequence: Theme video → Citizen hopes → Appointment ceremony → Cultural performances
- Attendees: 80 citizen representatives + ~3,500 pre-registered citizens
- Keywords: People’s Appointment Ceremony, People’s Sovereignty, Liberation Day 80th Anniversary, Gwanghwamun Democracy
Significance & Outlook
Political impact: Potential to reshape the early presidency narrative (“appointed by the people”), integrate the historical significance of Liberation Day, and symbolically boost presidential leadership. Risks include politicization and operational challenges in crowd management and safety.
Policy & communication perspective: If formats like “circular stage – citizen dialogue – live interviews” are institutionalized, they could become a new standard for national agenda communication. Hybrid participation (online + in-person) is also a meaningful experiment in public forum design. However, without diverse representation and feedback integration, the event risks being dismissed as “event politics.”
FAQ
Q1: Why an “Appointment Ceremony” instead of a traditional inauguration?
A: The June 4 swearing-in was deliberately minimal, with this ceremony intended to emphasize that the President is appointed by the sovereign people.
Q2: Does the appointment certificate have legal effect?
A: No, it is a symbolic ritual. Its value lies in its political and social meaning.
Q3: How large will the audience be?
A: 80 citizen representatives and around 3,500 pre-registered attendees, plus other spectators in the square.
Related Information
This post is based on information provided by the official government source.
📄 Korean Version
Read this article in Korean on our main site:
thepresidentdaily.com
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