Episode 1: The Rapid Development of Korean Democracy
Democratization and Compressed Growth
To understand Korean society, we must start with the story of democratization. Korea’s transformation is remarkable not only in terms of its rapid economic rise but also in its political journey. What surprises many foreigners is that, only a few decades ago, Korea was under authoritarian military rule where citizens’ political rights and freedoms were heavily restricted. Today, it stands as a vibrant democracy where people freely voice their opinions and elect their leaders through competitive elections.
From the 1960s to the 1980s, Korea’s modern history was marked by a clash between authoritarian regimes and movements demanding democracy. The April 19 Revolution of 1960, sparked by public anger over a rigged election, was the first major uprising that showed the power of ordinary citizens. But military coups soon followed, tightening authoritarian control and delaying democratic reforms. Still, students, intellectuals, workers, and religious groups kept pushing for change.
The Gwangju Uprising of 1980 became a defining moment. Citizens rose up demanding freedom and justice, facing violent suppression. Their sacrifice left a lasting mark, reminding the entire nation of the true value of democracy. This is why Korea’s democratic development is often described as “compressed growth”—a rapid, intense struggle that achieved in decades what took other countries much longer.
The 1987 System and Institutional Change
The most important turning point came with the June Democratic Uprising in 1987. At the time, the military government resisted calls for direct presidential elections. In response, millions of citizens took to the streets across the country. Students, office workers, homemakers, and clergy joined together, creating a wave too strong to ignore. The government eventually conceded, agreeing to a constitutional amendment that allowed for direct presidential elections. This system, known as the 1987 System, has shaped Korean politics ever since.
Since then, Korea has held presidential elections every five years without interruption. Multiple peaceful transfers of power have taken place, a clear sign of democratic maturity. Of course, challenges remain. Critics often point out that the presidency holds excessive power and that the National Assembly is plagued by inefficiency. But the crucial fact is this: citizens no longer accept one-sided rule. They expect accountability, and through elections, protests, and public debate, they drive political change themselves.
From an international perspective, Korea is one of the rare examples of a country that transitioned from authoritarianism to institutional democracy in just a few decades. Elections are regular, competitive, and meaningful. More importantly, democracy has become a norm of everyday life, not just a legal framework.
Candlelight Protests and Citizen Participation
No discussion of Korean democracy is complete without the candlelight protests. In Korea, the candle has become a symbol of peaceful resistance and civic engagement. From the 2002 protests over the deaths of two middle school girls struck by a U.S. military vehicle, to the 2008 rallies against U.S. beef imports, and most famously, the 2016–2017 protests demanding President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment, millions of citizens have lit candles to express their demands for change. Remarkably, these protests were largely nonviolent and orderly.
The 2016–2017 candlelight movement drew global attention. Despite the massive crowds filling Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, there was little violence. Families attended with children, people sang and held banners, and the atmosphere often felt like a civic festival rather than a confrontation. Ultimately, the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of the president, demonstrating that citizens had directly influenced democratic institutions through peaceful protest.
For many Koreans, candlelight protests reinforced the idea that democracy is not limited to casting a ballot every few years. It is about active participation, about showing that citizens themselves can create political change.
“At the end of 2024, citizens once again took to the streets after the shocking declaration of martial law by the president. Candlelight vigils quickly spread across Seoul and other major cities, as people demanded accountability. On New Year’s Eve, a candlelight rally calling for the president’s arrest and removal was held in Gwanghwamun Square, showing that even during a holiday atmosphere, civic engagement did not fade. These events remind us that the culture of candlelight is not just a relic of the past but remains a living measure of democracy in Korea today.”
This continuity shows that candlelight protests are not isolated historical events but an enduring civic tradition.
Civil Society and the Challenges Ahead
Korean democracy today continues to evolve. Civil society plays an active role in monitoring power, raising issues, and shaping the national agenda. NGOs, labor unions, consumer groups, and environmental organizations are vocal and influential. Traditional media, online platforms, and especially social media provide spaces for debate, enabling citizens to share their opinions instantly and widely.
At the same time, challenges persist. Social polarization, generational divides, and regional conflicts complicate consensus-building. Political polarization and the spread of hate speech pose new threats to democratic dialogue. Yet Korean citizens rarely remain silent. They discuss, debate, and when necessary, return to the streets with candles in hand. This participatory democracy is one of Korea’s greatest strengths.
Seen from abroad, Korea’s democracy can be summarized in two key phrases: compressed growth and continuous participation. The nation rapidly shifted from authoritarianism to democracy, and its citizens remain deeply engaged in sustaining and reshaping it. This makes Korea not only an economic success story but also a model of citizen-driven democracy.
Conclusion
The history of Korean democracy is not just a tale of institutional change. It is a history of citizens’ struggles and participation. Within just a few decades, Korea achieved what might have seemed impossible: a functioning, vibrant democracy born out of both sacrifice and resilience. Even today, citizens continue to shape the country’s future through their active involvement.
For foreigners seeking to understand Korea, exploring the rapid development of its democracy is the best place to begin. It reveals the strength, resilience, and potential of a society that continues to write its democratic story—candle in hand.