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EAI Issue Briefing
The Great Transformation of Korean Social Movements:
Reclaiming a Peaceful Civil Revolution
Suk-Ki Kong, Seoul National University Asia Center
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"Choosing Peace over Violence:
Opening a New Chapter for Korean Social Movements
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Social movements in South Korea in the past may have started out peacefully, but due to clashes with government authorities, have often ended up in violence. Professor Suk-Ki Kong of Seoul National University Asia Center explores why and how Korean civil society was able to maintain a peaceful civil revolution during the candlelight vigils in 2016. Kong discusses favorable political opportunities and the opening up of civic space, changes in public perception and awareness, and the role of internet communities and social media among others in order to explain the Korean candlelight vigils of 2016. As these vigils marked a significant turning point for Korean civic and social movements, Kong urges South Korean civil society reflect seriously on how to sustain the momentum established through these recent changes that achieved a peaceful, cross-generational consensus.
 
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