On December 14, the day President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment motion was passed, special edition newspapers featuring the impeachment news were displayed at Seoul Station. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 16 (Korea Bizwire) – Following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol on December 14, the streets around Seoul’s National Assembly Station were crowded with citizens clutching special edition newspapers.
These publications, known as “hoewae” in Korean, are rare, emergency editions issued to mark significant events. Headlines such as “Citizens Win,” “President Yoon Impeached,” and “Impeachment Motion Passed” drew widespread attention, with readers eagerly flipping through analysis and commentary.
A Resurgence of Hoewae
Special editions, once common during pivotal moments like the 2011 death of Kim Jong-il or the 2017 impeachment of Park Geun-hye, have largely disappeared in the digital age. However, the recent declaration of martial law and the subsequent impeachment of President Yoon have sparked a resurgence.
Newspapers such as The Kyunghyang Shinmun, Chosun Ilbo, and The Hankyoreh distributed hoewae at subway stations and busy streets, offering tangible records of the historic event.
Social media lit up with photos of people proudly displaying their hoewae, and some even sought to purchase copies online for up to 10,000 won ($7.50). Meanwhile, in Gwanghwamun, where anti-impeachment rallies took place, some hoewae were discarded alongside flags.
On December 14, the day President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment motion was passed, citizens at Seoul Station were seen picking up special edition newspapers featuring the impeachment news. (Yonhap)
Historical and Cultural Significance
Experts view the public’s enthusiasm for hoewae as reflective of both their historical value and a celebratory atmosphere.
Professor Han Kyu-seop of Seoul National University noted, “Unlike in 2016, this impeachment outcome was uncertain, prompting an abundance of special editions. While their original role as breaking news sources has faded, they now serve as archival records of historic moments.”
Professor Koo Jung-woo of Sungkyunkwan University added that this phenomenon aligns with younger generations’ appreciation for “small but certain joys” in daily life. “The festive vibe of protests, combined with the collectability of hoewae, reflects contemporary lifestyle trends influenced by K-pop and similar cultural elements,” he said.
A Historic Moment Documented
Newspapers featured striking headlines, such as The Kyunghyang Shinmun’s “Citizens Win” and The Hankyoreh’s “Impeachment of Coup Leader Yoon.” The historic event also sparked nostalgia for past moments when hoewae were symbols of urgency and importance.
For many, holding these editions has become a way to preserve a tangible piece of history, offering a rare sense of connection to a momentous national event.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
