Gyeongsangbuk-do jointly held the "13th Chilgok Nakdonggang Peace Festival" and the "17th Nakdonggang Battle Victory Commemoration" to honor the history of the Nakdonggang defense line and the sacrifices of child soldiers.

The opening ceremony, held on the 16th at the Chilgok Weir Ecological Park, was attended by over 5,000 people, including representatives from the province, Chilgok County, military units, veterans' organizations, and local residents.

The event took place from the 15th to the 18th around the Chilgok Weir Ecological Park and auto camping ground. Under the theme "A Boy Becomes a Child Soldier," the festival highlighted the dedication of child soldiers deployed to the Nakdonggang defense line and the values of freedom and peace they protected.

This is the first time in the 12-year history of the festival that child soldiers have been featured in depth. Experience programs for citizens and students, such as "1950 Boy's School," "Child Soldier Training Center," and "Nakdonggang Defense Line Battle Experience," were operated at the venue.

The opening ceremony began with the entry of the Taegeukgi, the UN flag, the national flags of 22 participant nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, and 100 veterans. It was followed by a tribute video for veterans, a theme performance, a laser show, celebratory performances, and a fireworks show.

During the event, exhibitions of military equipment explaining the progress and victory of the Nakdonggang battle, as well as a performance by the Ministry of National Defense Traditional Honor Guard, were also held.

This year, an AI smart festival ground was operated by introducing the "AI Smart Come-in Program," which supports parking status information, application for experiences and food, and child-missing prevention.

Lee Cheol-woo, Governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do, said, "The Chilgok Nakdonggang Peace Festival, which sublimated the memories of war into the value of peace, is a meaningful venue delivering a message of peace and harmony," adding, "We will continue to do our best to share the history of national defense with future generations, honor the noble dedication of veterans, and spread the values of peace and coexistence."

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