[Close-up Camera] "How Is This Possible?" – A Peaceful, Organized Protest, Right Down to Cleanup

Reporter: Lee Ga-hyuk
December 16, 2024, 8:36 PM

https://tv.kakao.com/v/451692221

[Anchor]
Last weekend, a massive protest urging the impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol took place in front of the National Assembly. International media outlets expressed unanimous astonishment: How could such a large gathering take place without any incidents, with participants even cleaning up after themselves?

Our close-up camera captured the orderly and disciplined actions of the citizens on-site. Here’s JTBC’s Lee Ga-hyuk with the story.

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[Reporter]
At noon, despite freezing temperatures, the area in front of the National Assembly was packed with people.

[Protester, Lee Jae-hyuk]
"I trust the resolution will pass today. It will show that the strong support from the public wasn’t for nothing."

For lunch, protesters enjoyed rice balls prepaid by supporters from afar.

[Park Seo-yeon, citizen waiting for prepaid meals]
"I didn’t have time to eat before coming here. Thankfully, there are meals already prepaid."

But the support didn’t end there.

Volunteers handed out cushions to protect against the cold pavement:

[Volunteer]
"Anyone need a cushion? Please take one!"

Hot packs to keep hands warm were also distributed:

[Volunteer]
"If you don’t have a hot pack, grab one here!"

Kindness and generosity were everywhere.

Despite the massive crowd, minor inconveniences like long bathroom lines were met with patience.

[Citizen, Jang Young-ran]
"The orderliness here is remarkable. We even adjusted our line to avoid blocking others. Everyone handles things smoothly on their own."

One citizen even helped JTBC reporters carry heavy equipment up the stairs.

[Reporter]
"Thank you so much. That’s a huge help."

At 2 PM, families with strollers began to arrive, showing the protest’s inclusive nature.

[Parent with a young child]
"We wanted to teach our family the importance of standing up for a better future. That’s why we’re here together."

One hour before the vote, the area was completely packed.

Safety volunteers worked tirelessly, ensuring everyone moved safely through designated paths.

[Volunteer]
"We’re maintaining order to ensure families and citizens can move around safely."

When the National Assembly session began, participants expressed their emotions in different ways. Some danced to pop songs:

[Chanting to a pop song]
"Impeach Yoon Suk-yeol!"

Others clasped their hands together, waiting anxiously for the results.

Finally, the announcement came: 204 votes in favor of impeachment.

Cheers erupted as citizens hugged each other, some shedding tears of joy.

[Protester, Lee So-won]
"I’m ecstatic. This feels like a step toward building a better government. I’m so hopeful!"

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As night fell around 5:30 PM, glowing support sticks lit up the crowd.

[Citizen from Ganghwa Island, who rented buses to attend]
"Am I tired? Not at all. I’ll come every day if I need to. For the first time, we rented two full buses, and they were packed. I’m proud to show the world how peaceful and powerful Korean citizens can be."

[Shouting to cameras]
"JTBC! I love you!"

Reflecting on the moment, a young adult recalled attending a similar protest as a child:

[Choi Jung-woon, university student who joined protests as a child]
"When I was little, I came with my parents, holding candles. Now, as a university student, I’m here as an active participant, even taking part in public declarations."

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By 7 PM, citizens began to disperse. After spending all day protesting, many were hungry. A local bakery owner stepped up, distributing free bread.

[Bakery owner Park Kang-jin]
"I baked all night and brought these in my truck. It cost around 10 million won, but these citizens deserve it for braving the cold."

[Reporter]
"Can I have one too?"

[Park]
"Take as many as you’d like!"

But the protest wasn’t over yet. Before leaving, citizens swiftly cleaned up the area.

[Citizen, Lim Seul-gi, distributing trash bags at her own expense]
"As responsible citizens, it’s important to leave the space clean. It’s a way to show maturity and respect."

One protester summed it up:

"The December 3 crisis isn’t just about political accountability—it’s about legal responsibility too. We’re here to demand justice in the most peaceful, organized way possible."

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[Credits: Writers: Kang Eun-hye, Yoo Seung-min | VJs: Park Tae-yong, Jang Joon-seok | Video Editing: Bae Song-hee | Video Design: Yoo Jeong-bae | Research Support: Park Chan-young, Hong Seong-min]
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