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. These protests ultimately led to the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye due to a corruption scandal involving her confidante, Choi Soon-sil. The protests were a significant moment in South Korean history, showcasing the power of peaceful civil disobedience and the public’s demand for accountability and transparency in government.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean word | Romanization | English meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 촛불시위 | chwibul siwi | candlelight protest |
| 탄핵 | tanhek | impeachment |
| 부패 | bupae | corruption |
| 국정농단 | gungjeong nongdan | government scandal |
| 비선실세 | bisonsilsae | confidante with improper influence |
| 민주주의 | minjujui | democracy |
| 시민불복종 | siminbulbokjong | civil disobedience |
| 평화로운 | pyeonghwaroun | peaceful |
| 정권교체 | jeonggweon gyoche | change of government |
| 대중운동 | daejungundong | mass movement |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
2016년 10월, 박근혜 전 대통령과 그녀의 비선실세 최순실 간의 국정농단 의혹이 불거졌다.
In October 2016, allegations of a government scandal involving former President Park Geun-hye and her confidante Choi Soon-sil surfaced.
이 사건은 시민들의 분노를 불러일으켰고, 전국적으로 대규모 촛불시위가 시작되었다.
This incident sparked public outrage, and massive candlelight protests began nationwide.
시위대는 평화로운 시민불복종 운동을 통해 박근혜 전 대통령의 탄핵과 부패 근절을 요구했다.
The protesters demanded Park Geun-hye’s impeachment and an end to corruption through peaceful civil disobedience.
수백만 명의 시민들이 매주 거리로 나와 촛불을 들고 민주주의 수호를 외쳤다.
Millions of citizens took to the streets every week, holding candles and chanting for the defense of democracy.
2017년 3월, 헌법재판소는 박근혜 전 대통령의 탄핵을 최종 확정했다.
In March 2017, the Constitutional Court finalized Park Geun-hye’s impeachment.
이 사건은 한국 민주주의의 성숙과 시민사회의 힘을 보여주는 중요한 사례가 되었다.
This event became a significant example showcasing the maturity of Korean democracy and the power of civil society.
촛불시위는 평화로운 정권교체를 이끌어내며, 대중운동의 역사에 길이 남을 것이다.
The candlelight protests will be remembered in the history of mass movements for leading to a peaceful change of government.
4. Reading comprehension questions
1) 촛불시위의 주요 요구 사항은 무엇이었습니까?
What were the main demands of the candlelight protests?
2) 박근혜 전 대통령과 최순실 간의 관계는 어떠했습니까?
What was the relationship between former President Park Geun-hye and Choi Soon-sil?
3) 촛불시위가 한국 민주주의에 미친 영향은 무엇입니까?
What was the impact of the candlelight protests on Korean democracy?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The candlelight protests were a significant moment in South Korean history, showcasing the power of peaceful civil disobedience and the public’s demand for accountability and transparency in government. The protests were a culmination of years of frustration with corruption and the abuse of power by the Park Geun-hye administration.