By Park Sung-ik
Citizen protests have become more common since the Dec. 3 martial law declaration, particularly in Seoul, where large-scale candlelit protests have been held every evening. At the start of the martial law crisis, demonstrators gathered in front of the National Assembly building in Yeouido to defend democracy and freedom, shouting, “Impeach the president!” A diverse range of age groups took part, with young people standing out in particular. They showed solidarity by singing popular K-pop songs like "APT." and "Into the New World" to express their emotions, their passion burning even brighter with the glow of candles and K-pop light sticks.
President Yoon Suk Yeol is now impeached, via a vote at the National Assembly, and is awaiting the Constitutional Court's ruling. In this atmosphere, the protests has become an important opportunity to call attention to the need for social change, and for many people to reflect on their responsibilities as democratic citizens. Citizens' solidarity and courageous actions once again proved to be an important moment to protect democracy.
While participatory democracy, exemplified by the candlelit revolution and now the K-pop light stick revolution, has flourished in Korea, democracy in broader society — encompassing areas such as the home, the workplace and women's rights — remains insufficient. This is due to a range of complex social, historical and economic factors.
First, Korea has a long history of military regimes and authoritarian politics. This background provided external motivation for popular resistance and human rights promotion. In other words, there was a public square movement demanding democracy for a change in power, but democracy in everyday life was relatively neglected. Additionally, in the process of high economic growth, the rights of workers and citizens have often been sacrificed. Even after the development of open-air democracy, corporate power and economic interests tended to take priority, and issues such as the democratic operation of families, businesses and women's rights were pushed to the back burner.
Second, Korean society traditionally has strong patriarchal values. Gender roles and power structures within the family are entrenched, making it difficult to realize democracy at home.
Third, gender gaps and discrimination still exist due to poor progress in women's rights. Systems and policies are needed to improve women's social and economic status, but the reality is that these changes are taking place slowly.
Fourth, Korea's large corporations make up a significant portion of the economy, and their corporate power influences politics and society in general. These power structures tend to inhibit democratic decision-making processes within companies and workers' rights claims.
Fifth, Korea's welfare policy is still insufficient, so there is a lack of a system to support families and individuals. As a result, economic inequality and suffering persist, impeding the development of living democracy.
Sixth, while schools focus too much on competition for college entrance exams, most of the students are often unaware of their rights and responsibilities due to a lack of awareness or education related to democracy in life.
In conclusion, while participatory democracy has helped advance democratic values through citizen resistance and participation, democracy in everyday life has not developed adequately due to historical, social and economic factors. Issues like these must be addressed gradually through increased awareness, change, education and policy efforts throughout society.
Park Sung-ik ([email protected]) is a retired English teacher from Pungmoon Girls' High School.
English (United States) ·