Participants of a rally demanding the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol display their protest items in Yeouido, Seoul, on Dec. 14, 2024. AJP Im Yoon-seoSEOUL, December 15 (AJP) - Singing and dancing with K-pop light sticks became one of the most captivating scenes at rallies against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Yeouido, western Seoul, where the National Assembly is located.
The purpose of these rallies was reminiscent of the 2016 demonstrations that called for the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye. However, this time, the atmosphere and participants were noticeably different, with young Koreans leading the demonstrations.
In the past, political protests were typically driven by older generations, often people in their 40s, 50s, or beyond. This protest, however, saw a significant turnout of young people in their 20s and 30s, including teenagers.
University students wearing jackets with their school names were a common sight, marking a shift from the traditional demonstrations typically organized by civil organizations and older generations.
“The president’s role is to protect the Constitution, the foundation of the country. However, he is destroying it,” said Noh Eun-jin, a student at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. “I felt it was time for young people to step up and make things right, so I decided to join the protest."
The growing participation of young people and women has transformed the character of these protests. Candles, once a traditional symbol of resistance, have been replaced by colorful K-pop light sticks. What used to be serious gatherings now feel lively and vibrant. Protesters wave their light sticks, singing and dancing to upbeat K-pop songs.
K-pop light sticks, battery-powered LED devices, are designed to represent fans’ devotion to their favorite groups. Each stick is uniquely styled with a group’s logo, colors, or themes, making them deeply personal and symbolic.
These light sticks have reshaped the atmosphere of the protests.
Fans of the Korean boy band Seventeen show items they use during a rally against President Yoon Suk Yeol in Yeouido, Seoul, on Dec. 14, 2024. AJP Im Yoon-seoIm Se-young, in her 20s, brought a light stick for the popular Korean boy band Seventeen. “I’ve heard that candles were commonly used in protests before, but they blow out easily in the wind. That’s why young Koreans came up with the idea of using K-pop light sticks, as they’re more practical and stay lit,” she explained. “The sticks represent a light that never goes out, and are meaningful as they represent something deeply personal and special.”
“At first, I worried about whether it would really be okay to bring a light stick to a protest. But when I saw so many people using them both online and offline, I felt less worried and confident.” she added.
As the vibrant culture led by young protesters filled the streets, older participants in their 50s and 60s began learning K-pop songs and embracing the new style through the protest, fostering intergenerational communication and understanding.
Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) played a major role in mobilizing young protesters. Protesters shared information, encouraged participation, and offered practical support, drawing more people into the movement.
An 18-year-old high school student, Kim Ye-seon, traveled from Dangjin, a rural city in Southwest Korea, to join the protest. “I wanted to show that teenagers are also aware of what’s happening and have the power to act. Seeing so many people participating inspired me,” Kim said. “At first, I was scared to come to Seoul alone, but I found someone on X who offered to join me.”
A woman in her 30s who accompanied Kim explained her motivation. “When I saw Kim’s post saying she wanted to protest for her country, I felt it was important for adults like me to support and protect her.”
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