Rite of Resist
Crisis in South KOrea, December 2024–April 2025.
Invoke. Chae-yoon, a regular participant of the candlelight protests, plays the flute atop a float adorned with slogans.
Righteous Indignation. Large protests became a daily occurrence in central Seoul.
Walkout. The crowd watched as members of the People Power Party (PPP) walk off the floor of the National Assembly on December 7, preventing the impeachment vote from proceeding. The text on the screen reads, "Opposition party aides protest against the PPP, who are leaving".
105. This was the number of PPP lawmakers who staged the walkout on December 7. A protester steps on a sign criticizing the 105 lawmakers, showing their names and faces.
Rejoice. The impeachment vote was announced to the crowd with fireworks and balloons. Mass cheering and singing followed.
Circumambulate. The protests between January and April always concluded with a circular march from Gyeongbokgung, around central Seoul, and ending in front of Seoul City Hall.
Torch. Sarcastic protest signs were characteristic of the protests. This one reads, "Poor Suk-Yeol, I want to hug you so tightly that your neck turns purple!".
Evangel. Politicians and citizens used live-streaming extensively to broadcast major events and spread their message.
Supernova. Protesters used K-pop light sticks during the nightly rallies, usually personalized with sarcastic protest messages.
Losing Face. An angry protester tore off the image of Yoon's face from these posters in front of the National Assembly, calling for Yoon's immediate arrest.
Redemption. Yoon's supporters rallied near the presidential residence to protest against his arrest.
Ensign. Flags were a central component of the candlelight protests in Seoul. This Korean flag, covered in handwritten messages, recalls similar flags used during the May 1980 Democratic Movement.
Mask Up. A protester, seen wearing a hardhat and a gas mask, calls for Yoon's execution.
Line in the Sand. During a tense standoff near the presidential residence, Yoon's supporters and opponents jeer at each other across the police line.
Reverberate. A DPK party member cheers for Yoon's arrest at the police line.
Chariot. A warming bus for the candlelight protesters drives down Sejong-daero by Seoul City Hall, while a woman, live-streaming on her phone, shouts to the crowd gathered on the street.
Follow the Sign. A large banner hangs over Hannam-daero near the presidential residence. The text reads, "Immediately arrest and investigate the insurgent Yoon Suk-Yeol!".
Percussion. A woman plays the janggu, a traditional Korean hourglass-shaped drum, during a performance of pungmul-nori.
Whirlwind. A man dressed as a monk performs a dance in the middle of the pungmul-nori performance.
Exorcise. The Korean public became increasingly agitated as the decision over Yoon's impeachment dragged on. His removal from office was seen as necessary for the country to begin healing.