Tag: democratization

democratization

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The Seoul Olympics and Whitney Houston (KOR)

A columnist recalls how the 1988 Seoul Games accelerated democratization, defied North Korean sabotage and left a cultural legacy amplified by Whitney Houston’s anthem.

2026.9.14

The Seoul Olympics and Whitney Houston

A columnist recalls how the 1988 Seoul Games accelerated democratization, defied North Korean sabotage and left a cultural legacy amplified by Whitney Houston’s anthem.

2026.9.13

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President Lee Jae Myung enters a chamber for a senior secretaries meeting at the Blue House in central Seoul on May 21. [NEWS1]

Lee calls for stern punishment for defaming victims of state-led atrocities

President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday called for stern punishment for those who glorify state-led atrocities or defame victims of such violence.

2026.5.21

A mass of protesters gathered in front of Seoul Square on May 15, 1980, which became the catalyst for one of the 16 previous martial laws declared in Korean history. [JOONGANG PHOTO]

Korea under emergency martial law — what does it mean?

President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law Tuesday night, replacing civilian government with military rule and suspending civilian legal processes for military powers.

2024.12.3

Revive the spirit of compromise in politics

Where are the citizens who applauded the triumph of democracy through the compromise among moderates 37 years ago?

2024.6.10

Yoon orders aides, PPP lawmakers to attend May 18 ceremony

President Yoon Suk-yeol demanded all his top aides, ministers and lawmakers in the People Power Party attend a ceremony this week remembering the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, in what appears to be an overture to the liberal Honam region.

2022.5.16

Citizens of Gwangju hold a rally supporting democracy in Myanmar in May 18 Democracy Square in Gwangju, South Jeolla on Saturday. [SEO JI-EUN]

Gwangju sees parallels between May 18th movement and Myanmar

To many people in Korea's city of Gwangju, recent scenes from Myanmar are reminiscent of their own experiences 41 years ago, in May 1980.

2021.3.28

Brand new thugs (KOR)

A few days ago, Hong Se-hwa, an icon of liberalism in Korea, criticized the 586 group as a “gang disguised as democracy fighters.” He said, “They didn’t study democracy properly and don’t know how hard it is to make money in real...

2020.12.21