HAVANA – In a powerful display of enduring cultural ties, descendants of Korean immigrants in Cuba gathered with Korean officials to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese rule. The event, held on August 9 at Havana’s Hotel Nacional, was organized by the Central and Caribbean Council of the National Unification Advisory Council (NUAC), marking a poignant moment in the wake of renewed diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The celebration brought together a diverse group of over 170 attendees, including Korean descendants, NUAC advisors, Korean Ambassador Lee Ho-yeol, and Korean Association President Jeong Hoon. The presence of officials from the Cuban Ministry of Culture further underscored the significance of the occasion.

At the heart of the ceremony was a tribute to the ancestors who first brought the dream of a free Korea to this distant island nation. Antonio Kim, 81, the grandson of independence activist Kim Se-won, and Marta Lim (Lim Eun-hee), 87, the daughter of independence fighter Lim Cheon-taek, were among the esteemed attendees. Together, they led the crowd in a powerful "manse" (long live) chant and a heartfelt rendition of the folk song "Arirang," sharing in the joy of the liberation that their forebears had fought for. The emotional chorus was a testament to the community's unwavering connection to its heritage, passed down through generations.

The event wasn't just a look to the past; it was a bridge to the future. The NUAC's Central and Caribbean Council donated essential Korean food ingredients like gochujang, red pepper powder, and ramen to the Korean Descendants Association and a local Korean language school. This gesture provides a tangible link to Korean cuisine and culture. In another forward-looking move, the NUAC also provided a donation to "Artcor," a local social and cultural project group dedicated to promoting Korean culture through popular K-pop events. This support recognizes the growing "Hallyu" (Korean Wave) in Cuba and the role of young Cubans in keeping the culture alive.

Park Rae-gon, chairman of the NUAC's Central and Caribbean Council, highlighted the historical resilience of the early Korean immigrants. "In the past, our Korean ancestors in Cuba never forgot their homeland, even during their difficult lives, and sent independence funds," he said. He expressed his joy that, following the establishment of diplomatic ties last year and the opening of the Korean Embassy in Cuba this year, such a meaningful Liberation Day event could finally take place. The ceremony in Havana stands as a powerful symbol of a community that has preserved its identity and a nation that is reconnecting with its long-lost kin across the sea.