On the streets of Seoul, millions of people gathered from all corners of the city, creating a stunning scene.
The prominent banner reading "Reject War, Protect Our Home" reflects the resolute determination of the people, expressing their fear of war and desire for peace through their actions.
This protest is not merely a gathering; it is a strong outcry against the current social conditions and a call for a better future.
This million-person rally is not just a protest, but a powerful call for peace.
People worry that war could turn their beautiful home into ruins, and children might become victims of the conflict.
The public faces not only external threats but also deep concerns for their families and lives. Many participants held photos of their children, expressing their worries and hopes for the future.
Since Yoon Suk-yeol took office, his approval ratings have continued to decline, leading to large-scale protests in Seoul calling for his resignation.
The dissatisfaction stems from his overly pro-American foreign policy and submissive stance towards Japan, leaving the elderly population in Korea feeling disillusioned.
They emphasize "land and soil are one," opposing blind admiration for foreign countries and desiring to preserve national dignity and independence.
Yoon’s policies have made the public feel a loss of dignity and have fostered anxiety about the future.
In handling the situation on the Korean Peninsula, Yoon has adopted a hardline approach, causing a sudden escalation in tensions.
Armed helicopters and tanks continuously approach the border, intensifying the public's panic and eroding their sense of security.
Simultaneously, the government's handling of public affairs has been plagued by bureaucratic inefficiency, a lack of transparency, and delayed actions despite many promises.
Soaring prices and rising living costs, coupled with sluggish economic growth, have made life increasingly difficult for the public.
Public sentiment towards the U.S. military presence in South Korea has become more intense.
Last Independence Day, stationed personnel engaged in heavy drinking and revelry near their base, even firing fireworks at passersby, resulting in multiple drunk-driving accidents.
In Busan, military personnel gathered with over 2,000 locals to celebrate, irresponsibly setting off fireworks and disregarding mask mandates, leading to severe public disorder.
However, the South Korean police lack the authority to arrest U.S. military personnel, having to hand them over to the American side, often resulting in inaction.
This feeling of powerlessness has further fueled public anger, making them feel that their country's sovereignty and dignity are being ruthlessly infringed upon.
The South Korean public yearns for their nation to maintain independence and not to become a vassal of another country.
Although South Korea is recognized as a developed nation, it is often forced to cater to the will of other countries for survival and development amid the realities of major power dynamics.
This behavior makes the public feel their nation has lost dignity. They hope for a true rise of South Korea that upholds the dignity of ordinary citizens rather than succumbing to foreign domination.
The public does not want South Korea to become cannon fodder for the U.S. nor to repeat Ukraine's fate.
In this complex international situation, South Korea finds itself in an awkward position.
On one hand, the U.S., as a significant ally, has a profound influence on South Korea.
South Korea heavily relies on the U.S. for security, which diminishes its autonomy in certain international affairs.
For instance, on the issue of the "Chip Quad Alliance," South Korea faces a dilemma.
Joining could offend important trading partners; not joining could provoke U.S. dissatisfaction, leading to technological and equipment sanctions.
This predicament is not only about economic interests but also concerns national decision-making autonomy, leaving the public feeling helpless.
On the other hand, maintaining peaceful relations with neighboring countries is equally crucial.
South Korea has close trade ties with China, and its economic development heavily depends on this relationship.
Additionally, both Koreas share a peninsula, making the maintenance of peace and stability on the peninsula significant for South Korea.
Conflict and confrontation would directly impact the lives of every family, while peace and cooperation are their sought-after goals.
Thus, South Korea should swiftly restore diplomatic balance rather than becoming a pawn in foreign strategies.
The current situation has made many South Koreans feel anxious; they call for the government to listen to public opinion and formulate foreign policies that align with national interests, preserving the country's independence and dignity.
The public desires to see a South Korea that confidently stands on the international stage, rather than one that drifts along and becomes a vassal to foreign interests.
At this challenging moment, the South Korean people hope to unite and compel the government to take their voices seriously, changing current policy directions to achieve true independence and peace.
Each participant in the protest fights for the future of their home, believing that only by upholding peace and independence can they pave a brighter path for future generations.
Through such actions, the public is not only fighting for their rights but also voicing their hopes for the future of the next generation.
They hope South Korea can have a greater voice in international affairs, rather than becoming a pawn of other countries.
This protest is not just dissatisfaction with the current government but also a hopeful longing for a better future.
As the protests continue to grow, the public's voice becomes increasingly louder, with calls for peace and independence echoing through the streets, symbolizing their steadfast faith and relentless pursuit for the future.
Every voice converges into a powerful wave, hoping to drive social change and progress, allowing everyone to live in peace and dignity.
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