hankyoreh

To the surprise of both participants and onlookers alike, the candlelight protests that have grabbed the nation’s attention for the past 40 days have been impressive in more ways than one. Not only have the demonstrations exceeded expectations in terms of the size and scale of the events held, but demonstrators have created a culture of non-violent protest that is open to people from all walks of life.

The June 10 rally, in particular, attracted the largest number of demonstrators protesting in South Korea in 21 years. The 2008 June “candlelight struggle” showed that it may be possible to achieve something beyond the democratic gains won via the June Struggle of 1987. Seoul’s City Hall Plaza has become a staging area for citizens to learn how to trust one another through discussion and communication.

A fierce debate took place in front of the containers that were set up in Gwanghwamun, downtown Seoul, beginning on midnight on June 10. The containers divided demonstrators into two groups, with one group arguing they should pile up Styrofoam to go over the wall of containers and the other saying they should continue the non-violent protest. Eventually, the two groups were able to compromise by constructing a Styrofoam platform. The demonstration, which by some estimates was 500,000-strong, finished without any major clashes with riot police.

Debates and concessions of this kind could be seen even in the early days of the candlelight protests, which began over a month ago. During a marathon 72-hour-long candlelight protest June 6-8, there was a series of debates and forums held in front of City Hall.

Later, even when demonstrators came face to face with riot police officers, protesters promoting non-violent action were able to persuade those who were angry not to use violence. Riot police officers have remarked that citizens participating in these demonstrations have created new guidelines for the way demonstrations are conducted.

Another notable thing about these demonstrations has been the initiative and inventiveness protesters have shown at the rally sites. Ordinary citizens have performed roles that would be difficult even for seasoned organizers. They prepared written materials and candles and distributed them to large crowds of people. They have also volunteered to serve as reporters and medical workers. Internet cafe members have joined in by raising funds and disclosing the amount of expenses used to organize the demonstrations, even though one of the demonstration’s main organizers, the People’s Countermeasure Council against Full Resumption of Imports of U.S. Beef, has been active in raising funds for the event.

Meanwhile, high school and college students have impressed older citizens and activists by picking up garbage and cleaning up demonstration sites. A high school student said, “I participated in the rally because I felt this was something I couldn't learn anywhere else. I joined the students collecting garbage after thinking about what I could contribute.”

Some experts think the recent candlelight protests have played a significant role in giving citizens an education about the media. The experts say that media awareness is an important part of any democracy. Choi Min-hee, an official with the Citizens' Coalition for Democratic Media, said, “One of the biggest achievements of the candlelight protests has been that citizens have become aware of the true intentions of conservative newspapers, which have dominated the political agenda until now. Younger generations have started to reject the nation’s major newspapers, Chosun Ilbo, JoongAng Ilbo and DongA Ilbo, after confirming that these newspapers are reversing themselves and telling lies that will soon be revealed.”

Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]