Author Description

Between October 2016 and April 2017, more than 17 million South Koreans took to the streets to demand the resignation of their President over a corruption scandal. Without a single arrest or casualty, the 2016-2017 candlelight protests paved the way for a peaceful regime change in South Korea. In stark contrast to Korea’s past when pro-democracy protests had been crushed by armed forces, South Koreans have ensured a peaceful and orderly transition of power in 2017. Exploring socio-political factors that contributed to the success of the Candlelight Revolution, this book sheds light on Korea’s creative protest culture and the power of plaza democracy.