PHOTO RELEASE:
August 18, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT:
Derek Sands
COUNTY, KAANJ CELEBRATE KOREAN LIBERATION DAY
HACKENSACK, NJ — Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco, III, the Bergen County Board of Commissioners, and the Korean American Association of New Jersey proudly hosted Bergen County’s annual Korean Liberation Day Celebration & Flag Raising Ceremony on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Piazza at One Bergen County Plaza in Hackensack.
National Liberation Day of Korea — also called Gwangbokjeol, or “the restoration of light day” — is celebrated annually on August 15. The day commemorates Korea’s liberation from Japanese occupation in 1945. Bergen County is home to a thriving and ever-growing Korean population, with more than 60,000 Korean American residents, making this day a significant celebration for the community.
The program featured greetings from County officials, remarks from Consul Jejoong Kim of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York, cultural performances, and the raising of the Korean flag in honor of Korea’s independence.
As part of the celebration, County Executive Tedesco and the Commissioners presented proclamations and awards to this year’s Outstanding Community Service Contribution Honorees, recognizing their dedication and service to Bergen County’s vibrant Korean American community.
2025 Honorees:
- Kwang Soo Bae
- Chung Heon Choi
- Hyun Chul Choi
- Ms. Kum Ja Chung
- Byong Joon Lee
- Eung Cheol Lee
- Jong Won Lee
- Nam Hee Lee
- Young Ae Ma
- Hak Y. Shin
Guests were also treated to traditional Korean cultural performances, including a dance presentation by Korean Traditional Dance of Choomnoori and a folk song performance by members of the Korean American community.
The event was organized in partnership with the Korean American Association of New Jersey and supported by local community organizations. Following the ceremony, attendees gathered for food and fellowship provided by the Korean American Association of New Jersey, Korean American Dry Cleaner Association of New Jersey, Korean American Senior Citizen’s Association, and Ma’s Korean Sausage.
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