South Korea deploys K-pop light sticks and dance in protests against president

Christmas carols, K-pop merchandise and food trucks create positive atmosphere as protesters seek to oust President Yoon over his martial law attempt

With blasting K-pop, glow sticks, food trucks and obligatory selfies, the protests that have swelled across South Korea since the president’s shock declaration of martial law last week have taken on a surprisingly festive mood.

Outside the national assembly in Seoul on Tuesday night, food trucks lined the streets selling traditional Korean snacks like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), sundae (blood sausage), and even beondegi, the favourite winter treat of boiled silkworm pupae.

Topics

Protests in South Korea calling for impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol

Protesters in South Korea are calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol after chaos erupted over his imposed martial law. CBS News' Ramy Inocencio reports from Seoul.
CBS News - 2d
LOONA’s Yves and Hyeju Speak Out Amid Protests Following Failed Impeachment Vote of South Korea’s President Yoon

Yahoo News - 4d
South Korea's emotional protesters watch impeachment hopes fade

A jubilant atmosphere quickly faded as protesters heard news that the impeachment vote against president Yoon Suk Yeol had failed.
BBC News - 4d
K-pop and autocrats: jolt to democracy lays bare South Korea’s two sides

While some say political turmoil has harmed country’s cultural reputation, others say it proves resilience. In the global battle for soft-power supremacy, a clear winner has emerged in recent ...
The Guardian - 5d
South Korea's opposition parties move to impeach president

After South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol shockingly declared martial law on Tuesday, opposition parties Wednesday sought to impeach him. While South Korea's reputation as a democratic stronghold ...
CBS News - Dec. 4
Who Would Replace South Korea’s President Yoon?

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would take over if President Yoon Suk Yeol steps down or is impeached.
The New York Times - Dec. 4
Who Is Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korea’s President?

A conservative, Mr. Yoon won the presidency in 2022 by a slim margin, promising a more confrontational stance against North Korea. He quickly became unpopular and divisive at home.
The New York Times - Dec. 4
South Korea’s President Imposed Martial Law, Then Lifted It

Also, China banned rare mineral exports to the U.S. Here’s the latest at the end of Tuesday.
The New York Times - Dec. 3
South Korea's president rescinds martial law order

Protestors flooded the streets of Seoul after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, but lawmakers voted to block the measure and eventually the South Korean leader reversed the decree.
NBC News - Dec. 3