Why Koreans Will Be Drumming in Times Square This Saturday

Posted by Sumi | @miguktv | August 2026

On Korea's Liberation Day, a group of Korean New Yorkers is going to stand in the middle of Times Square and play pungmul — the gongs and drums of traditional Korean percussion. Saturday, August 15, 4 PM.

The person who taught them is a friend of mine — a devoted protégé of my late relative, Yong Sok Chung, who passed away tragically young not long ago.

What's actually happening

It's the 8·15 National Day of Action, held the same day in cities across the U.S. This one's organized by Nodutdol and BAYAN, and the ask is straightforward: withdrawal of U.S. troops from Korea, and no war in the Pacific.

If you're around Times Square Saturday afternoon, stop by. You'll hear the gongs before you see the crowd.

What are you doing for Liberation Day? I'll probably be standing in Times Square. Tell me in the comments — and subscribe if you want more of these.

📍 From New York | 📺 YouTube: @miguktv

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