Celebrating the New Year: Participants of the Bosingak Bell-Ringing Ceremony Announced
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As 2025 approaches, Seoul has officially announced the eleven participants who will ring the bell at Bosingak on New Year’s Eve. The ceremony, held precisely at midnight on December 31, symbolizes reflection on the past year and hope for the year ahead.
The selected participants represent citizens who have contributed meaningfully to society across diverse fields, from community service and culture to science and sports.
This year’s Bosingak bell-ringing ceremony carries the theme “You Are the Light,” delivering a message of encouragement and solidarity to citizens welcoming the New Year.
Announcement of the 2025 Bosingak Bell-Ringing Participants
The city of Seoul revealed the eleven individuals who will participate in the Bosingak New Year’s Eve bell-ringing ceremony in Jongno-gu. At midnight on December 31, they will collectively ring the bell thirty-three times to officially welcome the New Year.
The participants were selected through a combination of public nominations and recommendations by a panel of ten reporters covering Seoul City. During the nomination period in November, a total of 114 candidates were recognized for their outstanding social contributions.
Those chosen reflect the values of responsibility, compassion, and perseverance, embodying the spirit of hope that the ceremony seeks to convey.
Citizens Recognized for Their Social Contributions
Among the participants are individuals who have quietly supported their communities for decades. Kim Gwi-seon has provided emotional support through Lifeline counseling for 25 years, while Kim Sang-sik has offered free bread to students on their way to school.
Lee Bok-dan has delivered lunchboxes for 15 years, and Jung Young-jun, a city bus driver, has saved lives through emergency CPR. Their everyday actions have made a lasting difference in the lives of many.
Figures from Culture, Science, and Sports
The list also includes figures who have brought pride to Korea on national and global stages. Joel Jin Namadi became the first world gold medalist in a Korean relay event, while Park Jong-chan led the successful launch of the Nuri rocket.
Yoon Seok-deok contributed to public safety by developing colored guiding lines on roads, and Ha Jae-heon transformed adversity into inspiration by becoming a rowing athlete after losing a leg to a landmine.
Artists and Cultural Voices Welcoming the New Year
Well-known cultural figures also join this year’s ceremony. Sean has continued long-term charitable activities, while singer Yang Hee-eun represents the enduring legacy of Korean popular music.
Author Jung Se-rang, known for writing about empathy and solidarity, completes the group, reinforcing the ceremony’s message of shared light and collective hope.
Theme and Program of the 2025 Ceremony
This year’s Bosingak bell-ringing ceremony is themed “You Are the Light.” A media facade projected onto the Bosingak pavilion will visualize the resonance of the bell, blending tradition with modern technology.
Before midnight, audiences will enjoy a celebratory performance by the winning team of the K-Performance Competition and an LED dance show symbolizing the Year of the Red Horse.
As the clock strikes midnight, the bell will be rung thirty-three times, followed by a performance of Let’s Ride a Horse by the rock band Crying Nut, setting an energetic tone for the year ahead.
A Message of Warmth for the New Year
The city of Seoul shared its hope that the Bosingak bell-ringing ceremony will serve as a source of comfort and encouragement for citizens who have worked tirelessly throughout the year.
As the sound of the bell echoes through the city, it marks not only the start of a new calendar year but also a collective wish for resilience, connection, and brighter days ahead.
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