Colorful LED sticks, typically seen at K-pop events, illuminated the rallies. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 9 (Korea Bizwire) – As nationwide protests criticizing President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law gain momentum, a wave of innovative, community-driven acts is capturing attention.
Among them, citizens and students are pre-paying for food and drinks—such as coffee, rice rolls, and soups—at nearby shops to support fellow demonstrators. Social media platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) have become hubs for sharing these acts of solidarity, reflecting the maturity and unity of the movement.
The protests have also unveiled a distinct cultural shift, led by the so-called MZ generation (millennials and Gen Z). Unlike traditional demonstrations centered around solemn candlelight, these younger participants have infused protest spaces with a concert-like atmosphere.
Colorful LED sticks, typically seen at K-pop events, illuminated the rallies, while participants sang along to popular songs such as BLACKPINK Rosé’s APT. and G-Dragon’s Crooked. Flags bearing witty slogans—like “Let us lie down in peace” and “Freedom to pursue fandoms”—added a playful yet poignant touch.
Organizers of the “National Candlelight March,” held on December 7 in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, reported an estimated 1 million attendees. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
Organizers of the “National Candlelight March,” held on December 7 in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, reported an estimated 1 million attendees, far exceeding the 200,000 originally expected. Demonstrators avoided violent clashes, opting instead for coordinated chants of “Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol” and even dancing to electronic music.
Experts highlight this shift as a sign of South Korea’s democratic maturity and generational evolution.
“Today’s protests reflect a confident belief in democracy and an optimistic outlook for overcoming political crises,” said Ku Jeong-woo, a sociology professor at Sungkyunkwan University.
The peaceful tone and creative methods, he noted, underscore the transition from older activist traditions to a younger, more dynamic approach.
The protests have unveiled a distinct cultural shift, led by the so-called MZ generation. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
The lingering impact of South Korea’s 2016 candlelight movement, which led to the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye, also plays a role.
“Citizens have learned from past experiences that impeachment is a process, not an overnight event,” said Seo Chan-seok, a professor of sociology at Chung-Ang University.
“This understanding has encouraged restraint and fostered mature civic behavior.”
With the MZ generation at the forefront, the protests have taken on a uniquely vibrant and peaceful character, marking a new chapter in South Korea’s history of civic engagement.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
