On December 3 of last year, South Korean society witnessed a shocking event—the far-right faction’s coup d’état, the declaration of martial law, and the invasion of the judiciary. In this process, politicians, prosecutors, judges, and even constitutional justices engaged in unconstitutional, anti-democratic acts that threatened the very foundation of democracy. The deployment of armed troops into the National Assembly and their intrusion into the parliamentary chamber, as Korean citizensll as the image of soldiers pointing guns at unarmed citizens and lawmakers who rushed to defend democracy, evoke memories of the military coup and the Gwangju Massacre 45 years ago. Since the release of the treasonous leader, Yoon Suk-yeol, this crisis has only deepened, raising concerns that the Constitutional Court might not even remove him from office.
In this dire emergency, Korean Citizens must consider for whom the year 2025 should be a year of hope. As revelations emerge that the coup was orchestrated to cover up Yoon Suk-Yeol and his wife Kim Keon-hee’s corruption and illegal manipulation of state affairs, Korean citizens must take practical action to safeguard democracy.
Inspired by the spirit of resistance shown in the Gwangju Uprising of 1980 and the June Democracy Movement of 1987, Korean citizens must complete the ‘Candlelight Revolution’ through a mass civic uprising akin to the recent ‘Namtaeryeong Great Battle,’ where farmers and citizens fought together in defiance of the coup. This is, perhaps, the only way to protect democracy and bring true hope to the working class, youth, and women who are suffering the most today.
This movement of civic resistance and democratic restoration must extend beyond South Korea and throughout Asia. In February 2021, Myanmar’s military staged a coup, overthrowing the legitimate democratic government and establishing a dictatorship. In response, countless Myanmar citizens risked their lives in resistance, only to face brutal suppression that claimed thousands of lives. Even now, the people of Myanmar continue to suffer and fight against military rule. The country is now engulfed in nationwide warfare, with groups opposing the military junta—including the National Unity Government (NUG), the National League for Democracy (NLD), the People’s Defense Forces (PDF), and Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs)—engaging in an ongoing struggle. These groups employ diverse strategies to dismantle the dictatorship, and in some regions, they have successfully established autonomous administrations free from military control.
The war has displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians, forcing many to flee as refugees to Thailand, India, Bangladesh, and other neighboring countries. Myanmar’s economy has collapsed, with citizens enduring severe food and essential supply shortages, extreme inflation, and dire survival conditions. As social instability escalates, crime and violence are increasing, and without adequate intervention from the international community, Myanmar’s people are facing an ever-worsening crisis.
International solidarity is essential for Myanmar’s democratic restoration. While the ‘dirty and greedy politics’ among Westrun bolck such as United States, the European Union, Japan, and the communist ones like China and Russia, has been going on, the situation of supporting the military regime or civil forces with weapons and financial aid has no made much difference, prolonging its hold on power. Therefore, democratic nations, including South Korea, must intensify their sanctions and diplomatic pressure to provide tangible support to Myanmar’s citizens. Additionally, South Korean civil society and Asia’s democratic forces must collaborate to develop effective strategies to dismantle military dictatorship in Myanmar.
South Korea’s struggle to reclaim democracy can send a powerful message to Myanmar and other Asian nations because Korean citizens have firsthand experience in overcoming dictatorship through the ‘Candlelight Revolution’ and civic uprisings. If the South Korean people unite and fight to protect democracy, it will serve as a beacon of hope and solidarity for citizens of Myanmar and beyond. Moreover, Korean citizens can take concrete steps to support those suffering under dictatorship and oppression, fostering a global democratic movement.
Ultimately, 2025 should not merely be a symbolic year of hope; it must be a year of decisive civic resistance and solidarity to restore democracy and take practical actions that embody Christ’s love for those in suffering. The defense of democracy in South Korea is directly linked to democratization across Asia, underscoring the urgent need for stronger solidarity and cooperation. Our mission is clear: to resist dictatorship and oppression and reclaim democracy through the power of the people. This is the path to creating a true year of hope and fulfilling the historic duty entrusted to our time.*
