Candlelights against the President

21 years ago exactly on the same day, 10 June 1987, massive protests in South Korea overthrew and forced the government to adopt the democratic system as it is today. Today, on the 21st anniversary, a seemingly minor issue is causing a storm that could toss the country into its severest STATE CRISIS in decades. It started seemingly harmless with a handful of protesters against the US beef import agreement that President Lee Myung-bak struck in April to improve stricken relationships. Probably Mr. Lee would never have thought this would turn into the big matter it is today.
(Photo: www.ohmynews.com)
Hundred thousands of protesters gathered in the streets of Seoul for a candlelight vigil tonight, requesting the President’s resignation. The whole city center, spanning from Gwanghamun to Nandaemun, was flooded with candlelight protesters who came from all over the country to Seoul that evening. The cabinet under Prime Minister Han Seung-soo offered its resignation that day. However, it seems like President Lee isn’t planning to step down. Instead, he expressed his intention to offer Mr. Han’s post to Mrs. Park Geun-hye, daughter of former President Park Chung-hee. In light of a gloomy economy, high oil prices, fear of inflation and stagnant financial markets, political instability is the last thing South Korea should be wishing for.

My Korean class took place in the evening in the middle of all the turmoil, just next to City Hall. It was a peaceful demonstration accompanied by music and countless food stands on the roadside. I made it home safely – although it wasn’t easy to squeeze through all the masses of candlelight holders.