1. Introduction to the text
The impeachment of Park Geun-hye, South Korea’s first female president, was a pivotal moment in the country’s political history. The Candlelight Revolution, a series of massive peaceful protests that took place in 2016-2017, played a crucial role in her eventual removal from office. This event highlighted the strength of South Korea’s democratic values and the power of its citizens to hold their leaders accountable.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 촛불혁명 | Chchulbul hyeongmyeong | Candlelight Revolution |
| 탄핵 | Tanhek | Impeachment |
| 부정부패 | Bujeongbupae | Corruption |
| 시위 | Sihwi | Protest |
| 민주주의 | Minjujuui | Democracy |
| 국정농단 | Gungjeong nongdan | Government scandal |
| 국민저항 | Gungmin jeohang | Popular resistance |
| 권력남용 | Gwonryok namyong | Abuse of power |
| 헌법재판소 | Heonbeopjaepanseo | Constitutional Court |
| 평화적 시위 | Pyeonghwajeok sihwi | Peaceful protest |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
2016년 10월, 박근혜 전 대통령의 국정농단 사건이 폭로되면서 대규모 시위가 시작되었다.
In October 2016, massive protests began after the revelation of former President Park Geun-hye’s government scandal.
시민들은 부정부패와 권력남용에 반대하며 매주 주말마다 서울 광화문 광장에 모여 촛불을 들었다.
Citizens gathered in Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square every weekend, holding candlelight vigils to protest against corruption and abuse of power.
이 평화적인 시위는 “촛불혁명”이라고 불렸으며, 수백만 명의 국민들이 참여했다.
These peaceful protests, dubbed the “Candlelight Revolution,” saw the participation of millions of citizens.
2017년 3월, 헌법재판소는 박근혜 전 대통령의 탄핵을 결정했다.
In March 2017, the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye.
이는 한국 민주주의의 승리이자 국민저항의 힘을 보여준 사건이었다.
This event marked a victory for South Korean democracy and demonstrated the power of popular resistance.
촛불혁명은 한국인들이 부정부패에 반대하고 민주주의를 수호하겠다는 의지를 보여주었다.
The Candlelight Revolution showcased the Korean people’s determination to stand against corruption and defend democracy.
4. Reading comprehension questions
1) 박근혜 전 대통령의 탄핵 과정에서 국민들은 어떤 역할을 했는가?
What role did the citizens play in the impeachment process of former President Park Geun-hye?
2) 촛불혁명은 무엇을 의미하는가?
What does the Candlelight Revolution refer to?
3) 헌법재판소는 박근혜 전 대통령의 탄핵에 대해 어떤 결정을 내렸는가?
What decision did the Constitutional Court make regarding the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye?
4) 이 사건은 한국 민주주의에 어떤 의미를 지니는가?
What significance does this event hold for South Korean democracy?
5) 촛불혁명은 한국인들의 어떤 가치관을 보여주었는가?
What values of the Korean people did the Candlelight Revolution demonstrate?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The Candlelight Revolution was a significant moment in South Korea’s modern history, highlighting the country’s commitment to democratic values and the people’s power to hold their leaders accountable. The peaceful protests, which involved millions of citizens from all walks of life, were a testament to the strength of South Korea’s civil society and the public’s unwavering belief in transparency and justice.