South Koreans are the marching people. During times of unsettling historical injustices, Koreans of all ages, genders, and backgrounds have stormed out to the streets and protested for democracy. During the April Revolution in 1960, more than 100,000 citizens marched for the impeachment of the illegally-elected President Lee. The protestors, including thirty thousand college students, were greeted not by deserving praise and claps, but by indiscriminate violence. The oppression notwithstanding, President Lee eventually succumbed to the thundering voices of the people, and citizens claimed victory. In 1980, then-military General Park claimed political power through a bloodshedding military coup. Men and women, adults and children, once again marched against the tanks and armed soldiers, who had been posted there to enforce martial law. In response to the calls for justice, President Park was forced down from his rule. Just recently, in 2016, Koreans held up their candles through many freezing winter nights to impeach the daughter of President Park, who was elected in his place, for her unconstitutional abuse of power. These sacrifices show that South Korea’s democracy has not been provided freely. Each martyr, activist, and protestor has made their own contribution to the construction and maintenance of Korean democracy.
And on December 3, 2024, when Korea’s republic was threatened by the illegal declaration of martial law, the marching people once again stood firm to guard our democracy.
On December 3, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, accusing the opposition parties of anti-state activities. The first set of published regulations contained the ban of any political activity including Congress, protests, and the press. The publication further declared that any citizen who disobeys the law, including medical professionals who are currently on strike, can be subject to brutal punishments. Despite the armed forces barricading the Congress, the strength and the spirit of the South Korean people shined through the pitch-dark night. Thousands of Korean citizens formed human barricades in front of the doors of Congress, firmly standing in the way of the army and hindering their ability to block the National Assembly members. As the citizens chanted “Impeach President Yoon! Arrest President Yoon,” politicians climbed over the walls of Congress to cast their vote against the martial law. The passion of the Korean citizens to risk their lives to defend the politicians they voted into office expresses how much they value the precious democracy that was built off of our ancestors’ effort and suffering. That night, everyone in the crowd understood the risks that accompanied protesting against an army that had been awarded the power to rule by the president, yet they still surrounded the congressional building throughout the night.
The spirit of democracy illuminates the country as Koreans are marching once again towards justice. The streets next to the National Assembly are full of protestors, holding LED lights and candles, chanting for the impeachment of the president. What impressed me was not merely the quantity of people, though one million is an astounding number, but the diversity of the people who contributed to this new protesting culture. Protests in Korea now resemble outdoor music festivals. Younger protestors have joined the demonstrations with LED light sticks from pop concerts, and rewritten lyrics of popular carols and K-pop songs to criticize President Yoon. The range of protestors from different age groups symbolizes the depth and maturity of Korea’s democracy. We are the first in the world to send the daring message that the fight for freedom does not have to involve negative emotions. Rather, we can find comfort in the grace of melodies and the beauty of colorful LED lights swarming around the protests. This peaceful demonstration will last long as more and more protestors feel the urgency and join the streets, and at the center of the excitement still lies the will to serve justice to the corrupt president.
I would not be standing here had it not been for the Koreans who have marched, protested, and lost, yet continued to strive towards justice. Though pessimism lingers on how the Korean democracy shall unfold, I am incredibly proud to witness the unity and maturity of my country. The bravery to storm out of the streets as soon as injustice seems to take control; the wit to sing songs and wave LED lights; the passion to preserve democracy: this is what makes us Koreans. As soon as winter break arrives, I will be one of the protestors on the streets. We all know that through all the pain and laughter, excitement and fury, comes victory.
