1. Introduction to the text
The candlelight protests in South Korea, also known as the “Candlelight Revolution,” were a series of massive demonstrations that took place in 2016-2017, leading to the impeachment and removal of President Park Geun-hye. These protests were a pivotal moment in South Korea’s political history and demonstrated the power of peaceful civil resistance against perceived corruption and abuse of power.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean word | Romanization | English meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 촛불시위 | chwotbul siwi | candlelight protest |
| 탄핵 | tanhek | impeachment |
| 부정부패 | bujeongbupae | corruption |
| 권력남용 | gwonryoknangong | abuse of power |
| 시민불복종 | simminbulbokjong | civil disobedience |
| 민주주의 | minjujuui | democracy |
| 평화적 | pyeonghwajeok | peaceful |
| 시위대 | siwidae | protesters |
| 촛불문화제 | chwotbulmunhwaje | candlelight culture festival |
| 정의 | jeongu | justice |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
2016년 10월, 박근혜 전 대통령과 최순실 국정농단 사건이 불거지면서 한국 전역에서 대규모 촛불시위가 벌어졌다.
In October 2016, massive candlelight protests erupted across South Korea in response to the Park Geun-hye and Choi Soon-sil scandal, known as the “Rasputin” scandal.
시민들은 부정부패와 권력남용에 분노하며 평화적인 시민불복종 운동에 나섰다.
Citizens, outraged by the corruption and abuse of power, engaged in a peaceful civil disobedience movement.
주말마다 서울 광화문 광장을 비롯한 전국 곳곳에서 수십만 명의 시위대가 모여 촛불을 들고 박근혜 대통령의 퇴진을 요구했다.
Every weekend, hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul and other locations across the country, holding candles and demanding the resignation of President Park Geun-hye.
이 시위는 단순한 정치적 시위를 넘어 민주주의와 정의를 수호하기 위한 국민의 열망을 보여주었다.
These protests transcended mere political demonstrations and showcased the people’s aspiration to uphold democracy and justice.
촛불문화제라고도 불리며 평화로운 분위기 속에서 진행되었지만, 시위대의 규모와 지속성은 전례가 없었다.
Known as the “Candlelight Culture Festival,” the protests maintained a peaceful atmosphere, but their scale and persistence were unprecedented.
결국, 박근혜 대통령은 2017년 3월 탄핵되었고, 한국 국민들은 민주주의의 승리를 자축했다.
Ultimately, President Park Geun-hye was impeached in March 2017, and the South Korean people celebrated a victory for democracy.
4. Reading comprehension questions
1. What was the main reason for the candlelight protests in South Korea?
2. How did the protesters express their demands?
3. What was the significance of the protests beyond the political aspect?
4. Describe the atmosphere and scale of the protests.
5. What was the outcome of the candlelight protests?
5. Cultural notes related to the text
The candlelight protests in South Korea were a powerful display of the country’s vibrant democracy and the people’s determination to hold their leaders accountable. The use of candles as a symbol of peace and unity was a significant cultural element, reflecting the traditional Korean values of harmony and perseverance.