"How a Candle is Used Powerfully in South Korea" by Leah Kang
South Korea has a history of using candles as a tool during times of protest and injustice. In other countries, such as America, protesters often use signs, their voices, marching, and other peaceful forms of protest. The candle is unique in that lighting it is seen as peaceful behavior. However, it was a major symbol for so much change during Korea’s times of turmoil.
Korea’s use of the candle was particularly memorable during the impeachment of Park Geun Hye, the former president before Moon Jae In. She was also notable for being the daughter of a Cold War military dictator, which increased Koreans’ mistrust towards her. Before the famous candlelight vigil against her presidency, many protesters were vocal against a corruption scandal, and a number of them were violent. Thus, peaceful candlelight vigils contrasted from their violence in a more powerful and impactful way.
In addition, a tragic event called the Sewol Ferry incident killed over 300 people. It appeared to be a corrupt incident that could be traced back to Park Geun Hye. It sparked hundreds of thousands of protesters on January 7th against her and created a demand for some clarification. This was when candles became a symbolic gesture for change.
After Park’s step down from presidency, many rallies gathered in the streets to celebrate their joy over her impeachment. During their rallies and gatherings, they carried flags and candles again. Lighting candles in Korea’s times of trouble represented power united. Today, the simple light of a candle stands for the political movements that connected South Koreans together.
Sources:https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016–2017_South_Korean_protestshttps://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/2017/03/09/world/asia/park-geun-hye-impeached-south-korea.amp.htmlhttps://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_candlelight_rallies_in_South_Korea