Today,  August 15, 2025, marks the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Korea's liberation (Gwangbokjeol).

The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. commemorates this historic day in 1945, when Korea regained its sovereignty after 35 years of Japanese colonial rule (1910–1945) and established itself as an independent, self-reliant nation. To honor the noble sacrifices of the nation's patriotic ancestors who fought for liberation, we take this moment to reflect on the history of the Republic of Korea.