South Korea's Protest Movement Booms with Viral Impeachment Anthem

In recent protests, music has played a vital role in mobilizing crowds seeking to oust President Yoon Suk Yeol.

 

Tens of thousands of South Koreans have taken to the streets, calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, and their voices are powered by a new protest anthem that has taken social media by storm. Adapted from the famous Christmas tune "Feliz Navidad," the catchy refrain—“Impeachment is the answer”—has embedded itself into the minds of protestors across the nation.

The song's creator, Baek Jae Gil, performed it during a demonstration outside the National Assembly in Seoul, shortly after Yoon's controversial declaration of martial law. Since its release, recordings of the anthem have garnered millions of views on platforms like X, TikTok, and Instagram. The infectious rhythm has even evoked a version translated into Chinese for audiences on WeChat.

Baek, who is 52 and known in the music scene as Baekja, has long been involved in South Korea's pro-democracy movement. His history stretches back to 1989, when he first joined a protest during a suppressed teachers' movement, an experience that inspired a sense of activism and musical creativity that continues to this day.

These recent demonstrations have been marked by a lighter atmosphere compared to earlier protests. Participants have filled the air with sounds of traditional percussion and pop songs, alongside their newly beloved impeachment anthem. The lively energy of the protests is underscored by the popular girl group Aespa's hit "Whiplash," which has also become a staple soundtrack at these gatherings.

While South Korea navigates its tumultuous political climate, the protests led by young citizens have gained traction, indicating a generation willing to challenge authority for the sake of democratic reforms. As Baek and his fellow protestors chant about a "Merry Christmas" in connection with their hopes for a new political direction, it is clear that music and community together infuse these gatherings with purpose and solidarity as they strive for change.