[From the scene] Voices from the street

Lee Ki-beom, 20, Kwangwoon University student
“I feel this may be similar to the democratic uprising in the 1980s. A historic moment. This scandal has just reinforced the fact that the government is incompetent. It has definitely raised anger among the young.”

Kim Ji-hong, 21, Sungkyunkwan University, College of Education
“I read about Chung Yoo-ra (the daughter of Choi Soon-sil, President Park Geun-hye’s friend) and felt skeptical about society. We (the young) make a lot of efforts to achieve our goals and we even fail at times. But she got everything she wanted with the power (of her parents and the president) and I ask myself: Is that fair?”

Kim Si-yeong, 43, from Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province
“I brought my sons with me because I thought it would be meaningful for them to actually watch the historic scene themselves and learn. The fact that the first woman president in our country have got into such a mess is a shame, and I am afraid that future woman leaders and politicians may be discriminated against because what Park did.”

Lim Jun-su, 43, Anyang, Gyeonggi Province
“As a person who voted for Park, I am more disappointed than some others who have not. A series of incidents proved that she was not qualified to lead. Of course, I knew from the beginning that Park was not competent enough to lead the country but I believed in the policy and the party and now it has met a bitter end."

Han Na-ra, 17, Guri, Gyeonggi Priovince
“I should be studying but I became lethargic. What’s the point of studying, if those with power will easily beat us? These stories about Chung and the president is disappointing.”

A father surnamed Kim, 38
“I knew somebody would be behind President Park because she is too incompetent to be the president of a nation. I thought that would be Kim Ki-chun, (the former presidential chief of staff). But I was surprised to learn that it was Choi Soon-sil. I see that it is now really time for her to step down from her position.”

Kim Wan-goo, 51
“It is so obvious that a secret squad was controlling state affairs behind the president. The National Intelligence Service should open up their mouths. They all knew, the media, the politicians, political parties. Not only the president should resign but the Saenuri Party and related people should strictly be punished for what they did.

Choi Bong-hyeon, 46, Anyang, Gyeonggi Province
“I came with Anyang City’s liberal labor union by subway here. I want the president to resign herself. Citizens, the masters of South Korea, are moving and calling for her to step down. I believe things will change after today.”

Kim Beom-geun 18, Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province
“I will be eligible to vote in a couple of years, and I came here to watch and learn so that I will not make such mistakes in the future. Hearing all these people shouting in one voice, I feel my mind filling up. I am very touched. Looking at the current situation, I believe the president should also be investigated, even if she still holds the position of president.”

Yu Young-un 18, Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province 
“I did not know much about politics but these scandals have made me look at what is happening in the country.”

Rob Johnston, London, International Transport Workers’ Federation
“About the scandal, it is outrageous and we call for an end to the presidency. I think it is a shame that it has to come to this big protest but it’s a peaceful rally and it’s great that people have decided to stand up and express themselves in this way, and we support it.”

A man surnamed Kim, 69
“I gave her my vote because I trusted her. How can she betray us like this? Why should only powerless people abide by the law when all the powerful people break the law?”

A man surnamed Heo, 55
“This is unforgivable. I won’t forgive her even if I get stabbed for not doing so. President Park Geun-hye should step down.”

Seo Seok-joon, 40
“Streets are for people, not for cars. I am surprised to see all the streets are open to protestors today. Park Geun-hye and Choi Soon-sil are not the only problems. The real problem lies in the voters who voted for her.” 

Yoon Song-yi, 37 
“When my child asked me who this country’s owner was. I wanted to teach her it was us, Koreans, not a handful of powerful people. I was not interested in politics before, but this (participating in a rally) was the least I could do. I am worried about the country I will pass on to my child.”

A woman surnamed Kang, in her late 50s
“I am speechless. President Park wasted taxpayers’ money like that. She should have not become the president. The rally is fun and peaceful. I am learning that this is democracy.”

Lee Hyun-a, 16
“I am so angry about Chung Yoo-ra (daughter of Choi Soon-sil), who received all the favors without studying hard. I am participating in a rally for the first time. I am taking this opportunity to take more interest in politics so that my voice matters in the society.” 

Park Jong-taek, 19
“I want to live in a fair and happy society. I have five days left until my college entrance exam. But why should I study when Chung Yoo-ra enters a prestigious university without studying at all. I am worried about my exam, but I am so worried about this country’s future. I did not even vote. Why should we put up with this?” 

Jo Song-ja, 64
“Park Geun-hye should just resign. Look at the students suffering from the consequences of our actions.”

Kim Ji-eun, 27
“I thought I should express my opinion here. It is a collapse of the whole system. As so many people take to the streets, I am so touched. I can feel their power.” 

Jung Sung-hoon, 29
“I hope those people are ashamed of abusing the law and system for their personal gain. If the system does not change and people emotionally react to this situation, it will not lead to better society.”

Choi Myung-ok, 44
“This government has made fools of Korean citizens. We have put up with the government failing to deal with the Sewol ferry disaster, but this time I had enough of President Park Geun-hye. I cannot feel helpless anymore. It is a chance to learn that we should better oversee those in power.” 

A man surnamed Shin, 53
“I was at the forefront of fighting for democracy during the democratic uprising in June 1987. Back then, we had to risk our lives to confront the government. But now, we can peacefully march through central Seoul and raise our voices. I feel so overwhelmed.”

Emily Young, 27, United States
“One thing I love about Korea is that when there‘s a problem, people come together and raise their voices. This country has had to fight hard for democracy, and the fight continues. It’s amazing to see so many people out, united for one cause, demanding change. So far, the crowd has been calm, and the respect people are showing for each other is impressive and commendable. I was impressed by how peaceful people were.”


By Ock Hyun-ju, Jo He-rim
(laeticia.ock@heraldcorp.com) (herim@heraldcorp.com)