Environment ministry announces nationwide lights-out event expected to draw 1.68 million

The environment ministry said that a nationwide 10-minute lights-out event will be held across South Korea on Aug. 22. Energy Citizens' Solidarity expects more than 1.68 million people to participate.

The lights-out will start at 9 p.m. and last 10 minutes at 23 major landmarks and local locations nationwide. Gwanghwamun and City Hall in Seoul, Lotte World Tower and Busan Tower are among the participating sites.

The ministry said the campaign goes beyond energy conservation. "This nationwide lights-out event is a symbolic activity that reminds every participant that they have a role in responding to the climate crisis," said Oh Il-young, director general for climate and energy policy at the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. "I hope that this event will provide an opportunity for a culture of climate action in daily life to become more firmly rooted."

Energy Day dates to Aug. 22, 2003, when electricity consumption reached a record 47.4 GW. Energy Citizens' Solidarity chose the date in response to the peak and designated it as Energy Day.