The national identity of South Korea seems to be closely linked to group demonstrations, and contrary to peace, it seems to manifest as a tendency not to fear major events.
Looking back at South Korea's recent history, we can see many extreme events.
According to data reported by South Korean media, there were as many as 90000 demonstrations across the country in 2019, equivalent to over 260 demonstrations per day.
This data is shocking! Why do South Korea frequently experience such mass demonstrations?
Why are Koreans so keen on provocation?
If you want to list in detail the large-scale demonstrations initiated by Koreans in the past decade, it is simply countless.
In 2008, protests against American beef imports erupted, with millions taking to the streets to protest against the South Korean government's decision to import American beef, fearing it could carry the mad cow virus.
In 2016, protests erupted in response to President Park Geun hye's political scandal, where protesters demanded her resignation and investigation, protesting against allegations of her involvement in politics with close aides.
In 2019, due to Japan's measures to restrict exports to South Korea, a series of anti Japanese demonstrations erupted in South Korea, protesting against the Japanese government's actions and demanding that the South Korean government take corresponding measures to retaliate.
In 2020, after South Korean actresses were exposed for sexual harassment by male actors, large-scale demonstrations were triggered, demanding stricter punishment for sexual harassers and stronger crackdowns on sexual harassment.
In 2021, a series of labor demonstrations erupted, with union organizations and workers demanding an increase in minimum wage, improved working environment and welfare benefits, and protesting against unfair employment and layoff policies by companies.
In just the past decade, South Korea has experienced five large-scale mass demonstrations, which may not have occurred in other countries for decades.
Not only that, there are even more extreme behaviors, such as cutting the abdomen, cutting off fingers and hair, and even self immolation, which seem to be commonplace in South Korea.
This characteristic of Koreans is obvious.
However, why doesn't the South Korean government regulate it? Why are Koreans so keen on provocation?
The reasons for frequent large-scale demonstrations are multifaceted.
Firstly, these demonstrations often stem from people's dissatisfaction, as they choose to take to the streets to express their demands, which also requires a certain amount of courage.
Political instability is a key factor.
South Korea's political system has undergone multiple changes, from a military government to a democratic transformation, and then to political diversification, with the political situation constantly in turmoil.
This instability directly leads to the continuous outbreak of public demands.
However, it is questionable whether such frequent demonstrations will contribute to the resolution of the problem.
Demonstrations have become a ritualistic performance, and even developed into an industry.
Professional protesters change their identities at any time, from teachers to farmers to doctors, and slogans are constantly heard.
At first, demonstrations may have been aimed at maintaining justice, national security, or legitimate rights and interests, but now, these demonstrations have become more of a drain on government credibility and public energy.
Frequent demonstrations often do not help solve problems, but instead contribute to social instability.
The government hopes to alleviate social pressure and may take some measures, but these measures often cause dissatisfaction from other groups, leading to a vicious cycle.
The demonstration was influenced by emotions and became a part of social issues.
Therefore, society should think about how to effectively solve problems, rather than releasing emotions through endless demonstrations.
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