South Korea’s protest culture has transformed from structured, ideological movements into decentralized, humor-driven demonstrations shaped by digital platforms. This shift, propelled by younger generations, enables greater inclusivity and rapid mobilization but raises concerns about long-term impact and leadership.

The contrast between past and present protests was especially evident in the backlash against President Yoon Suk-yeol’s martial law declaration, where satire and digital coordination played a crucial role in mobilization.

FROM STRUCTURE TO SPONTANEITY

During South Korea’s authoritarian past, protests were highly organized, often led by student political groups such as the National College Students’ Council and the Korean Federation of University Students Councils.

“The government outlawed protests [during the authoritarian era], so demonstrations were planned in secrecy, with participants unaware of details until the last moment to evade government suppression,” Choi You-seok, a professor of social welfare at Hallym University, told Korea Pro.

As a result, protesters operated in tightly knit groups — usually no more than 10 students — fostering a sense of solidarity as they faced significant personal risks, including tear gas attacks, police beatings and imprisonment, Choi added.

“There was a deep sense of solidarity among the protesters back then. Then there were the high risks that they faced from the police — tear gas, beatings, imprisonment,” the Hallym University professor said. “So, many university campuses did not allow police entry, which further limited public participation, which in turn further solidified the sense of solidarity.” 

In contrast, today’s protests emphasize spontaneity and individual participation. Younger generations, detached from the memories of dictatorship, engage in demonstrations that feel more like public gatherings than high-risk political actions.

The protests against Yoon’s martial law order exemplified this change — participants carried satirical flags, sang parodied songs and engaged in digital activism by pre-purchasing food and coffee for demonstrators through online platforms.

South Korean citizens gather in front of Gwanghwamun Square to protest President Yoon Suk-yeol’s martial law declaration, Dec. 4, 2024 | Image: Korea Pro

THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

The widespread use of social media has redefined how protests are organized and executed. Platforms like KakaoTalk and Facebook allow rapid information-sharing, enabling mass mobilization without centralized leadership.

Min Seong-jae, a professor of political communication at Pace University, told Korea Pro that social media amplifies protest messages and facilitates coordination, making demonstrations more accessible to a broader audience.

“This effect is particularly strong in Korea as Koreans are among the world’s most connected on social media,” he said.

This digital-driven activism has also changed the nature of those who participate in the protests. Whereas the sense of heightened danger forced protesters in the past to form small, close-knit groups, liberalization and social media have allowed a much broader spectrum of the public to join the protests.

In a repeat of the culture that was borne out of the widespread protests against then-President Park Geun-hye, the demonstrations against Yoon also included older generations, high school students and even families with children due to their open nature and festival-like atmosphere.

CHALLENGES OF DECENTRALIZATION

While the new protest culture fosters inclusivity, it also presents challenges in sustainability and effectiveness.

“Protests in the 1980s regularly mobilized thousands of students around major issues such as workers’ rights and reunification. In contrast, modern demonstrations tend to be smaller and often dissipate quickly as social media attention shifts,” Choi of Hallym University, told Korea Pro.

The lack of centralized leadership also makes it difficult to articulate clear demands and negotiate with the government.

“Translating protesters’ demands to policy outcomes after negotiation with authorities may not be easy without centralized leadership. Specific and actionable demands may not come out easily from a rather amorphous and spontaneous social media-driven protest group,” Min of Pace University told Korea Pro.

“Without centralized leadership, […] protests may find it difficult to sustain momentum.”

IMPACT AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

The evolution of South Korea’s protest culture reflects broader democratic and technological changes. The rise of digital activism has made demonstrations more accessible and engaging, attracting a diverse range of participants.

However, the long-term impact of these movements remains uncertain, as decentralized protests face challenges in leadership, organization and sustainability. As South Korea navigates political and social crises, the effectiveness of this new protest culture will be tested in shaping the country’s future.

Edited by John Lee