Korea’s Bold and Beautiful Democracy in Action
A peaceful revolution powered by love, resilience, and light.
It’s been a while since I last posted about my husband’s accident. He’s recovering well, but life since then has been a whirlwind of projects and deadlines. In the midst of it all, I’ve been closely watching events unfold in South Korea, reflecting on what it means to see a country rise in unity.
For those who don’t know me well, I’m Korean-American. I was born and raised in Korea, but I’ve now spent far more of my life outside it. And yet, my identity as a Korean remains deeply rooted—Korea is always with me, wherever I go.
So, as the year comes to a close, I want to share a story of resilience, creativity, and solidarity from the country I hold so close to my heart.
Why South Korea Impeached Its President
President Yoon Suk-yeol was impeached after a series of critical failures and abuses of power. Most alarming was his attempt to declare martial law—a move that threatened South Korea’s democracy and its people. This shocking revelation sparked massive outrage.
But Yoon’s missteps didn’t stop there. His administration has been marked by deepening societal divides, particularly exploiting gender tensions for political gain, widespread mismanagement, and policies that prioritized power over public welfare. For many, his presidency represented a betrayal of the very citizens he was elected to serve.
In response, South Koreans did what they do best: they rose together, peacefully yet powerfully.
From Candlelight to Light Sticks
In 2016, South Koreans held candles, sparking what became known as the Candlelight Protests—a peaceful, powerful movement that led to the impeachment of a sitting president. In 2024, history is being made once again, but this time the movement glows with light sticks.
<An aerial view of the 2016 South Korean Candlelight Protests, where millions gathered peacefully, holding candles, to demand justice and accountability.>
If the candlelight symbolized unwavering passion and determination, light sticks feel like a natural evolution—bolder and even more innovative.
Originally tools of love and support for K-pop idols, light sticks represent fans’ deep devotion and care. Watching people take these same tools to the streets is profoundly symbolic—like they are fiercely protecting their country the same way fans protect their artists.
The vibrant colors and diverse designs of the light sticks beautifully capture the essence of democracy: people from all backgrounds, all walks of life, uniting for a common purpose. If the candlelight protests were groundbreaking, this light-stick movement feels like its creative and colorful evolution.
And finally, it happened—South Korea has impeached its president once again.
President Yoon Suk-yeol’s Impeachment Motion Passed in the National Assembly!
Yoon is now suspended from his duties.
It’s not over yet—this still needs to go through the Constitutional Court—but at least a significant first step has been taken.
Young Women Leading the Way
One of the most striking aspects of this impeachment movement has been the role of young women. Women in their 20s made up the largest group of participants at 18.9%, followed by men in their 50s at 13.6%, and women in their 30s at 10.8%.
<The photo and graph from this article>
But these women didn’t just show up—they showed up for each other.
A viral photo captured this beautifully: a women’s restroom near the National Assembly station, where protesters gathered, was stocked with hand warmers, sanitary pads, snacks, masks, and other essentials—freely available for anyone who needed them. It was a quiet yet powerful act of care and solidarity, and it moved me deeply.
This movement also sheds light on the gender divides that have been exploited in recent years. The now-impeached president weaponized misogynistic rhetoric, framing young men as victims of systemic disadvantages. This strategy fueled resentment and earned him significant support from men in their 20s, helping him win the election.
And yet, in the face of such division, young women have chosen strength, unity, and compassion. They are leading this moment with resilience and care, reminding us all what democracy can look like when it is fueled not by anger, but by love and solidarity.
On a Personal Note
As this year wraps up, I’m heading off on a family trip and committing to being fully present during the holidays and my daughter’s winter break.
Starting next year, I’ll focus my Substack on Korea—its current events, culture, history, social issues, and yes, parenting. There are so many stories to tell and so much I want to share about the Korea that has brought us to this moment.
I’m not the fastest writer, but I promise to study, reflect, and share thoughtfully here.
Wishing you all a happy, warm, and restful holiday season! See you in the new year!
Wow! How inspiring the women are. I only wish women of my motherland -iran- can follow in Korea’s footsteps. I love the pic of all the necessities! Inspiring!