[영상] “Let’s gather together like the day the fire happened on April 19,” said 270 students from Korea University.

Korea University Students Demand President Yoon’s Resignation, Echoing the Spirit of April 19

In a powerful display of collective action reminiscent of South Korea’s famously tumultuous April 19 Revolution, a group of over 265 students from Korea University issued a stark declaration calling for the resignation of President Yoon Seok-yeol. This statement, released on December 2nd, marks a significant escalation of student dissent against the current administration, which they accuse of eroding democracy, ignoring social injustice, and neglecting the future of younger generations.

The students’ declaration, titled "Break the Silence and Shout Together," paints a bleak picture of South Korea under President Yoon. It criticizes the shrinking space for dialogue and debate, lamenting the suppression of diverse opinions and the silencing of dissenting voices. Justice, they argue, has become a privilege rather than a right as the law is selectively enforced, favoring the powerful and abandoning the vulnerable.

The students also decry the increasingly uncertain future facing young people in South Korea. They point to drastic cuts in research and development budgets and rising tuition fees, coupled with stagnant wages and skyrocketing living costs, as evidence that their generation is being systematically marginalized.

The echoes of Korea’s history of student activism are palpable in this declaration. Drawing inspiration from the April 19 Revolution, sparked by student protests in 1960, they highlight the historical precedent of universities serving as crucibles of change. They aim to recapture that spirit of resistance, seeing their action as a step towards restoring democracy and justice in South Korea.

"On behalf of the students of Korea University, we call on President Yoon Seok-yeol to resign," the statement read, expressing hope that their voices will be the catalyst for a new chapter in South Korea’s history.

This bold call to action comes on the heels of a student confirmation of wants, initiated by 270 students and later backed by 152 Korea University professors. Noh Min-young, a student who spearheaded the confirmation effort, emphasized the crucial role of student activism: “Post-it notes with student support filled one corner of the professor’s confirmation… I saw hope that we can change things together."

This student-led movement at Korea University could signal the beginning of a wider resurgence of student activism across South Korea. The declaration’s authors urge students nationwide to join their cause, hoping to reignite the spirit of resistance that has historically shaped South Korean society.

"We will end the silence at Korea University first," declared Noh Min-young, "we hope that other universities will follow suit."

Whether this movement will lead to substantial political change remains to be seen. However, the students’ passionate call for President Yoon’s resignation stands as a testament to their unwavering belief in the power of collective action and a reminder that the spirit of April 19 continues to resonate within South Korea’s youth.

2024-12-02 09:12:00
#영상 #Lets #gather #day #fire #happened #April #students #Korea #University