On March 24, thousands of families, lovers, and friends gathered around to see what has been pre-labeled as one of the biggest fireworks shows in Korea in recent history. This very show that everyone is excited about marks the opening of the tallest building in Korea, Lotte World Tower. The brand-new skyscraper, 123 stories tall and 556m tall, is the 5th tallest building in the world. As Lotte, the largest confectionery manufacturer in Korea, put up posters all around the city weeks before the fireworks and as the event was televised all over the web, everyone had high hopes for the show. Thus, when the show was nearing, an enormous crowd gathered in front of the tower, rushing out of the crowded subway.

 

Since I live 5 minutes away from the tower, I was planning on watching the event in front of my apartment compound, where the view is great and the environment is quiet. However, I was surprised when hundreds of individuals, unable to fit through the crowd near the tower, gathered in front of my house.
 

Moving to and fro, trying to find the best view, I waited for the show to start. When the clock pointed exactly at 9’O clock, countdown appeared on the LEDs surrounding the building and the fireworks began. To give an overview, the fireworks were great; however, it wasn’t as enormous and touching as I expected. Reading that Lotte spent approximately 4 million US dollars, I expected the show to last longer, without pauses in the middle. However, fireworks lighted up the tower for a mere 7 minutes. Furthermore, as I read on the news a week later, only 50% of the fireworks were visible from far away as Lotte held another fireworks event in front of the tower.
 

Although the fireworks didn’t meet my expectations there were take away points from the event. Korea faced one of the most devastating political events recently, and the entire nation was politically and ideologically divided. However, one thing clear is that we all want our nation to prosper and want the very best for the country. The opening of a new landmark not only accurately depicts our wish to move beyond the past towards the future but united the once divided nation.

 

 

Junyong (Jake) Jung

Grade 11

Korea International School