Author: Chong-Jin Oh

South Korea’s protest culture is not just evolving but setting a new global standard for how popular culture and civic activism intersect. This shift, driven by young activists and K-pop fandoms, signals broader implications for the nation’s political landscape. It highlights the emergence of creative and inclusive activism that has the potential to reshape the future of South Korean democracy, providing a model for other societies navigating political and cultural challenges. South Korea’s protest culture is undergoing a seismic transformation, driven by a new generation and the dynamic influence of K-pop fandom. The impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol on…

On the night of Dec.3, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeoll made the shocking announcement of a state of emergency, citing “legislative dictatorship” by the Democratic Party as a threat to the constitutional order. In his urgent statement from the Yongsan Presidential Office, Yoon described this as an “anti-state activity planning an uprising,” pledging to protect the Republic of Korea and eradicate “pro-North anti-state elements.” The Defense Ministry simultaneously placed all military units on high alert. The rationale behind this declaration, however, appears deeply flawed. Yoon referenced impeachment motions initiated by the opposition against 22 government officials, including high-ranking figures…