8/15 Korean Independence Day

DIALOG>> Korea gained its independence from Japan.

A: What's with all those Korean flags in the streets?
B: Oh, those! Today is our Independence Day.
A: Yeah, I heard about that. Korea gained its independence from Japan.
B: You're right. 67 years ago today, Japanese surrendered to the Allied forces.
A: Is that why you're taking me to the War Memorial today?
B: You can say that.

* What's with somebody? ~는 왜그러지?
* What's with something? ~는 왜 그러는 건가?
ex> What's with all this walking? Can't we take a cab?


RESPONSE>> Talk about Korean Independence Day, Gwangbokjeol.

Korea observes its independence from Japanese colonial rule annually on August 15th.
ex> I go to the stockholders meeting annually.

Gwangbokjeol marks the nation's freedom and liberation as a country.
ex> The company marks its 20th anniversary this Friday.

It is an official national holiday so you'll find most shops and public offices are closed.
* public office: 관공서

This is an official Presidential ceremony to commemorate the historic moment.
* Presidential ceremony: 대통령이 참석하는 경축식
ex> We'd like to sing a song to commemorate your wedding day.

Government leaders, representatives, and even foreign diplomats come together to pay  respect to those who fought for independence.
ex> I want to pay my respect to your grandfather.

All citizens are encouraged to display the national flag and public museums and parks are open free of charge to descendants of independence activists.
* descendant: 후손, 자손
ex> We all were encouraged to join the chess club.
ex> I can't believe it's free of charge.

It is an especially poignant day for those who can recollect the war.
* poignant [^|pɔɪnjənt]: 통한의, 통렬의
* recollect  [_|rekə^|lekt]: 기억해 내다.

We feel national pride on this day that reminds us of the sacrifices our ancestors made.
* remind of: ~을 상기시키다


@ Isn't it ironic?  아이러니하지 않아?

It's a day of infamy for Japan.
* infamy [^|ɪnfəmi]:  치욕, 악명

1. This report is released annually.
2. This remarks your second unexcused absence from class.
3. You should pay respect to relatives that have passed away.
4. You can get an additional battery free of charge.