1. Introduction to the text
The Candlelight Revolution, also known as the 2016-2017 South Korean protests, was a pivotal moment in South Korea’s political history. Sparked by a corruption scandal involving then-President Park Geun-hye, these peaceful demonstrations led to her impeachment and arrest, highlighting the power of public activism and the Korean people’s commitment to democracy and transparency in government.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 촛불집회 | chchulbulchiphoe | candlelight vigil |
| 탄핵 | tanhak | impeachment |
| 부정부패 | bujeongbupae | corruption |
| 민주주의 | minjujuui | democracy |
| 시위 | siwi | protest |
| 정권교체 | jeongkwongyoche | change of government |
| 국정농단 | gungjeongnonggdan | government scandal |
| 평화적 | pyeonghwajeok | peaceful |
| 개혁 | gaehyeok | reform |
| 시민의식 | simingwisik | civic consciousness |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
2016년 말, 박근혜 전 대통령의 국정농단 스캔들이 폭로되면서 한국 전역에서 대규모 촛불집회가 시작되었다.
In late 2016, massive candlelight vigils began across South Korea after a corruption scandal involving former President Park Geun-hye was exposed.
수백만 명의 시민들이 평화적으로 거리에 모여 박근혜 대통령의 탄핵과 부정부패 척결을 요구했다.
Millions of citizens gathered peacefully in the streets, demanding the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye and an end to corruption.
이 시위는 한국 민주주의의 중요한 이정표가 되었으며, 국민들의 시민의식과 정부에 대한 투명성 요구를 보여주었다.
These protests became a significant milestone in South Korean democracy, showcasing the public’s civic consciousness and demand for transparency from the government.
2017년 3월, 박근혜 대통령은 헌법재판소에 의해 탄핵되었고, 조기 대선이 치러졌다.
In March 2017, President Park Geun-hye was impeached by the Constitutional Court, leading to an early presidential election.
새로운 정부는 개혁과 정권교체를 약속하며 민주주의와 청렴성을 강조했다.
The new government promised reforms and a change of administration, emphasizing democracy and integrity.
촛불집회는 한국 시민사회의 힘과 민주적 가치를 전 세계에 보여주었다.
The candlelight vigils showcased the power of South Korean civil society and its democratic values to the world.
이 사건은 한국 정치에 큰 영향을 미쳤으며, 국민들의 목소리에 귀 기울이는 정부의 중요성을 강조했다.
This event had a profound impact on Korean politics, highlighting the importance of a government that listens to the voice of its people.
4. Reading comprehension questions
1. 촛불집회의 주요 요구 사항은 무엇이었습니까?
What were the main demands of the candlelight vigils?
2. 박근혜 전 대통령은 어떤 방식으로 탄핵되었습니까?
How was former President Park Geun-hye impeached?
3. 새로운 정부는 어떤 약속을 했습니까?
What promises did the new government make?
4. 촛불집회가 한국 정치에 미친 영향은 무엇입니까?
What impact did the candlelight vigils have on Korean politics?
5. 이 사건이 한국 민주주의와 시민의식에 대해 보여준 것은 무엇입니까?
What did this event demonstrate about South Korean democracy and civic consciousness?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The Candlelight Revolution was a significant moment in South Korea’s ongoing journey towards a more transparent and democratic society. It highlighted the power of peaceful protest and the Korean people’s commitment to holding their leaders accountable.