1. Introduction to the text
The Candlelight Revolution in South Korea, also known as the 2016–2017 South Korean protests, was a series of massive, peaceful demonstrations that ultimately led to the impeachment and removal of President Park Geun-hye. This political event highlighted the power of civil society and the Korean people’s commitment to democracy and justice.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 촛불혁명 | chchulbul hyeongmyeong | Candlelight Revolution |
| 탄핵 | tanhaeк | impeachment |
| 대통령 | daetongryeong | president |
| 시위 | siwi | protest |
| 부패 | bupae | corruption |
| 권력남용 | gwonryoknamyong | abuse of power |
| 민주주의 | minjujui | democracy |
| 시민사회 | siminsahoe | civil society |
| 평화로운 | pyeonghwaroun | peaceful |
| 정의 | jeongui | justice |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
2016년 10월, 박근혜 전 대통령의 측근인 최순실 국정농단 사건이 폭로되면서 한국 전역에서 대규모 시위가 시작되었다.
In October 2016, massive protests began across South Korea after the revelation of the Choi Soon-sil scandal, involving the former President Park Geun-hye’s confidante and her influence over state affairs.
시민들은 박근혜 대통령의 부패와 권력남용에 분노하며, 촛불을 들고 평화로운 시위에 참여했다.
Citizens, outraged by President Park’s corruption and abuse of power, participated in peaceful candlelight protests, holding candles as a symbol of their movement.
이 시위는 “촛불혁명”이라고 불리며, 수백만 명의 시민들이 박근혜 대통령의 탄핵을 요구했다.
These protests, dubbed the “Candlelight Revolution,” saw millions of citizens demanding the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye.
2017년 3월, 헌법재판소는 박근혜 대통령의 탄핵을 최종 확정했고, 그녀는 물러나야 했다.
In March 2017, the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of President Park, leading to her removal from office.
이 사건은 한국 민주주의의 중요한 이정표가 되었으며, 시민사회의 힘과 정의를 위한 투쟁을 보여주었다.
This event became a significant milestone in South Korean democracy, demonstrating the power of civil society and the struggle for justice.
촛불혁명은 평화로운 방식으로 정권 교체를 이루어낸 역사적인 사례로 기록되었다.
The Candlelight Revolution was recorded as a historic case where a peaceful transition of power was achieved through civil protests.
4. Reading comprehension questions
1) 촛불혁명의 주요 원인은 무엇이었습니까?
What was the main cause of the Candlelight Revolution?
2) 시위대는 어떤 방식으로 시위를 진행했습니까?
How did the protesters conduct their demonstrations?
3) 박근혜 대통령의 탄핵은 언제 최종 확정되었습니까?
When was the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye finalized?
4) 이 사건이 한국 민주주의에 어떤 의미를 가졌는지 설명해주세요.
Explain the significance of this event for South Korean democracy.
5) 촛불혁명은 어떤 평화로운 방식으로 정권 교체를 이루어냈습니까?
How did the Candlelight Revolution achieve a peaceful transition of power?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The Candlelight Revolution was a pivotal moment in South Korean history, reflecting the deep-rooted values of democracy and the people’s determination to hold their leaders accountable. It highlighted the importance of civil society and the power of peaceful protest in effecting political change.