1. Introduction to the text
The candlelight protests, also known as the Candlelight Revolution, were a series of massive demonstrations that took place in South Korea in 2016-2017. These protests played a pivotal role in the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye and brought about significant democratic reforms in the country. The protests highlighted the power of peaceful civic engagement and the Korean people’s determination to uphold democratic values and transparency in governance.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 촛불시위 | chchulbul siwi | Candlelight protest |
| 탄핵 | tanhak | Impeachment |
| 박근혜 | Park Geun-hye | Former President of South Korea |
| 민주주의 | minjujui | Democracy |
| 개혁 | gaehyeok | Reform |
| 시민사회 | siminsahoe | Civil society |
| 부패 | bupae | Corruption |
| 권력남용 | gwonryoknammong | Abuse of power |
| 평화로운 | pyeonghwaroun | Peaceful |
| 투명성 | tumyoungsong | Transparency |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
2016년과 2017년 사이, 한국 국민들은 전국적으로 대규모 촛불시위에 참여했습니다.
Between 2016 and 2017, Korean citizens participated in massive nationwide candlelight protests.
이 시위는 박근혜 전 대통령의 부패 및 권력남용 의혹에 대한 반발로 시작되었습니다.
These protests began as a backlash against allegations of corruption and abuse of power by former President Park Geun-hye.
평화로운 시위에도 불구하고, 수백만 명의 시민들이 매주 거리로 나와 박 전 대통령의 탄핵과 개혁을 요구했습니다.
Despite being peaceful, millions of citizens took to the streets every week, demanding Park’s impeachment and reforms.
2017년 3월, 박근혜 대통령은 헌법재판소에 의해 탄핵되었고, 이는 한국 민주주의 역사에서 중요한 사건이었습니다.
In March 2017, President Park Geun-hye was impeached by the Constitutional Court, marking a significant event in South Korea’s democratic history.
촛불시위는 시민사회의 힘과 민주주의에 대한 한국인들의 열정을 보여주었습니다.
The candlelight protests demonstrated the power of civil society and the Korean people’s passion for democracy.
시위는 또한 정부의 투명성과 책임성을 높이고, 부패를 근절하기 위한 개혁 조치를 취하도록 압박했습니다.
The protests also pressured the government to implement reforms to increase transparency, accountability, and eliminate corruption.
4. Reading comprehension questions
1) What were the candlelight protests in South Korea about?
2) How did the candlelight protests contribute to democratic reforms in South Korea?
3) What was the outcome of the candlelight protests regarding former President Park Geun-hye?
4) How did the protests demonstrate the power of civil society in South Korea?
5) What were some of the demands and goals of the candlelight protesters?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The candlelight protests in South Korea were a remarkable display of civic engagement and a testament to the country’s vibrant democracy. These protests were rooted in the Korean people’s long struggle for democracy, which culminated in the country’s transition to a democratic system in the late 20th century.