That day of 1945 brought the whole Korean population the happiness of liberation and a hope of establishing a new independent state. Unfortunately, however, we had barely felt the happiness when we had the division of our country imposed on us. Five years later, we were seized with another national tragedy, the Korean War, which was brought about by North Korea's invading South Korea on June 25, 1950.

With all these severe trials, however, we have worked hard with a resolute will to stand up again, exercising all our national wisdom, and have succeeded in building a propering country which is to host the Asian Games and the 24th Olympic Games.