Recent cases of political posters in support of the Hong Kong pro-democracy protests being vandalised on Korean university campuses have hit a sore spot among students & Koreans in general.
These are not ππ’π π‘ political posters.
These are πππππππ (λμ보/倧εε ±).
These are not ππ’π π‘ political posters.
These are πππππππ (λμ보/倧εε ±).
π·ππππππ β meaning βbig character posterβ β originated in China, and were especially used by Chinese university students (pic) voicing their opinions in the 1960s, also used as means of propaganda.
But the Korean πππππππ is different. It's synonymous with democracy.
But the Korean πππππππ is different. It's synonymous with democracy.
The πππππππ occupies an almost romanticed, cherished, and sacred place in modern Korean history, seen as a means to vent frustration, shock, bring attention to an issue, and more importantly, bring change.
π·ππππππ in Korea have been used as symbolic forums to voice opinions in a public manner. They are written by students who aspire knowledge and justice, have yet to enter the capitalist society, and considered unbiased and above corruption. To many, they speak the truth.
Under decades of dictatorship and repressions, Koreans students would post πππππππ to criticise the government or other grievances. They would often be torn down by police. Past & present, it's not uncommon to see large crowds surround and attentively read πππππππ.
Koreans see Korean democracy as having been acquired through decades of repression, struggle, tyranny, and uprising.
Korean democracy was gained, literally, through blood, sweat and tears.
Korean democracy was gained, literally, through blood, sweat and tears.
Be it the Gwangju Uprising, or the recent impeachment of Park Geun-hye, students have been at the forefront of this unwavering sense of justice in Korea. Since past times, intellectuals have been seen as the beacon of light in society. And universities have been a symbol of that.
The new generation didnβt have to live through the struggles their (grand) parents had to suffer. Life in modern-day Korea is incomparably comfortable to what it was just a few decades ago. Yet the spirit of fighting for justice is still instilled in students, even if dormant.
In the early days of Park Geun-hyeβs administration, and when things were going very, very wrong here in Korea, people didnβt even think her impeachment was possible. And yet, after months of millions-strong protests, she was ousted.
Her impeachment was like a re-awakening for the younger generation. That dormant spirit of fighting for justice re-emerged from hibernation.
It is therefore no wonder Hong Kong is looking for guidance, for hope, looking towards other countries. Korean-style democracy for many is the embodiment of modern-day democracy that people had to fight for, had to spill blood for.
Coming back to the πππππππ: to rip down something as sacred as the πππππππ in Korea is not just a simple act of vandalism, itβs a reminder of dictatorship and oppression, something Koreans never want to go through again.
That's why Korean students are not taking the tearing down of πππππππ posters lightly. This is a personal attack on the democracy they, and those before them, have fought for so dearly.
"Lenon Walls" have been springing up at campuses across Korea. Here at my old grad school Korea University, a wall popular for announcements and posters is now all about Hong Kong. Dozens of πππππππ, and hundreds of smaller messages expressing solidarity with HK students.
The Hong Kong pro-democracy messages of support have been covered with plastic sheets. I'm assuming this is to prevent vandalism. Posters here are normally not protected like this, even when it rains.
That said there are also pro-China messages of support. There is a large community of Chinese (some exchange) students at Korea University, but also universities across Korea.
Some messages read "Hong Kong belongs to China" and "One China." These too are plastic protected.
Some messages read "Hong Kong belongs to China" and "One China." These too are plastic protected.
One poster, on the right, announces today's 11/23 student protest set to take place in Seoul Plaza in support of the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement. The rally will advance past Euljiro, Myeongdong, and end in front of the Chinese Embassy.
