By Kim Rahn
The government is considering designating Aug. 14, the day before the Liberation Day, as a holiday to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end to Japanese colonial rule of Korea, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Officials said Sunday that some government officials and ruling Saenuri Party members had suggested the special holiday, and that related agencies, including the Ministry of Personnel Management, were reviewing the suggestion.
“The matter is being considered because the Liberation Day holiday falls on Saturday,” an official said. “It is part of the government’s efforts to highlight the 70th anniversary and make the day a new start for the Park Geun-hye administration.”
The ministry said it would be possible to designate a once-only holiday if the issue was submitted to Cabinet and approved.
Following the ministry’s comments, President Park will discuss it in the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
The country had such a holiday in July 2002 to celebrate Korea making the semi-finals of the World Cup.
There was also a holiday on the opening day of the Seoul Olympics on Sept. 17, 1988.
The plan is also part of efforts to boost domestic consumption, which has been hit hard by the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) epidemic.
“If people can have a day off on Aug. 14, they will be able to have three-day holiday through the weekend, and take trips,” the official said. “We believe it can help revive the nation’s tourism industry.”