1. Introduction to the text
In late 2016 and early 2017, South Korea witnessed a historic series of events known as the “Candlelight Revolution.” This peaceful protest movement ultimately led to the impeachment and removal of former President Park Geun-hye due to a major corruption scandal. The Candlelight Revolution marked a significant moment in South Korea’s democratic history and became a symbol of the public’s desire for transparency and accountability in government.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 촛불혁명 | chchulbul hyeongmyeong | Candlelight Revolution |
| 탄핵 | tanhaeк | impeachment |
| 부패 | bupae | corruption |
| 시위 | siwi | protest |
| 민주주의 | minjujuui | democracy |
| 투명성 | tumyeongsеong | transparency |
| 국정농단 | gungjeong nongdan | government scandal |
| 친구 | chingu | friend |
| 정의 | jеongui | justice |
| 평화적 | pyeonghwajeok | peaceful |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
2016년 말, 박근혜 전 대통령의 국정농단 사건이 드러났습니다.
In late 2016, a major government scandal involving former President Park Geun-hye was revealed.
이 사건에서 박근혜 대통령이 친구인 최순실과 공모하여 대기업들로부터 뇌물을 받은 것으로 밝혀졌습니다.
In this scandal, it was revealed that President Park had colluded with her friend Choi Soon-sil to receive bribes from major corporations.
이 충격적인 사건으로 인해 수백만 명의 시민들이 촛불을 들고 평화적인 시위를 벌였습니다.
Outraged by this shocking event, millions of citizens took to the streets with candlelight vigils, holding peaceful protests.
시위대는 박근혜 대통령의 탄핵과 정의 실현을 요구했습니다.
The protesters demanded the impeachment of President Park and the restoration of justice.
2017년 3월, 헌법재판소는 박근혜 전 대통령의 탄핵을 결정했습니다.
In March 2017, the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of former President Park.
이는 한국 민주주의 역사에서 매우 중요한 사건이었습니다.
This was a pivotal moment in South Korea’s democratic history.
시민들의 평화적인 시위는 부패에 반대하고 투명성과 책임성을 요구하는 것이었습니다.
The peaceful protests by citizens were a stand against corruption and a demand for transparency and accountability.
촛불혁명은 한국 사회에 큰 영향을 미쳤으며, 정부의 개혁과 민주주의 발전에 기여했습니다.
The Candlelight Revolution had a profound impact on Korean society and contributed to government reforms and the advancement of democracy.
이 사건은 시민들의 힘과 평화적인 저항의 중요성을 보여주었습니다.
This event demonstrated the power of citizens and the importance of peaceful resistance.
한국인들은 이 역사적인 순간을 통해 민주주의의 가치와 정의 실현의 중요성을 다시 한번 깨달았습니다.
Through this historic moment, Koreans reaffirmed the value of democracy and the importance of achieving justice.
4. Reading comprehension questions
1. 박근혜 전 대통령은 어떤 사건과 관련되어 있었습니까?
What scandal was former President Park Geun-hye involved in?
2. 시위대는 무엇을 요구했습니까?
What did the protesters demand?
3. 촛불혁명은 한국 민주주의에 어떤 영향을 미쳤습니까?
How did the Candlelight Revolution impact South Korean democracy?
4. 이 사건은 시민들의 어떤 힘과 중요성을 보여주었습니까?
What did this event demonstrate about the power and importance of citizens?
5. 한국인들은 이 역사적인 순간을 통해 무엇을 깨달았습니까?
What did Koreans reaffirm through this historic moment?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The Candlelight Revolution was a significant event in South Korea’s modern history, highlighting the country’s commitment to democracy and the people’s desire for transparency and accountability in government. It also demonstrated the power of peaceful protest and civil disobedience in effecting change.