Asia-Pacific Newsweek
December 16, 2024
Seoul – South Korea is in the midst of a political storm, but you might not know it from the colorful, ridiculous flags flying in the streets.
The National Assembly voted on Saturday to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after his shock declaration of martial law on December 3 sparked growing anger. The move was intended only for dire emergencies such as war or rebellion, but was widely condemned as authoritarian, triggering massive protests across the country.
But these protests are not the somber, traditional political marches you might imagine. Instead, South Koreans turned the streets into a satirical Flag Day, using humor to vent their frustrations.
Street Satire Festival
This impeachment protest is unlike anything South Korea has seen in years. Social media is awash with images of ordinary people holding witty and creative banners and flags. From fans to food lovers, from gamers to procrastinators, people from all walks of life are joining the demonstrations in unique ways, using humor as a weapon of resistance.
One of the most popular flags came from the National Homebody Gamers United, whose tongue-in-cheek message read: “Please let us stay home. We are tired of leaving our homes.” A member of Homebody Gamers United joined in, raising flags. carried a flag that read, “I can’t even play games at home because I’m too anxious!” — and then set up a laptop and games on the sidewalk.
K-pop fans brought their own style, with “United Cheer Sticks” – named after the glowing glow sticks used at concerts – asking “Let's indulge in fandom quietly without worrying about politics!”
When protest becomes personal
The variety of flags is astounding. At most South Korean protests, banners tend to reflect participating organizations such as labor unions or political groups. But this time, the streets were filled with flags representing individuals—ordinary people expressing their personal frustrations in creative ways.
Animal lovers brought banners from groups such as the Overweight Cat Alliance and the Puppy Paw Odor Research Association. Foodies are cheering for groups like the Mint Chocolate Ice Cream Fan Club, the Triangle Gimbap Gourmet Association and the delightful Zero-Calorie Garbage Ham Promotion Association, which calls for the creation of a diet-friendly canned ham.
Even the health-conscious got in on the action, holding banners from the National Turtleneck Association, the Blood Sugar Spike Prevention Association and the Tennis Elbow Alliance. One attendee joked that people with tennis elbow banners were waving them so enthusiastically they might need medical attention.
This kind of humor is more than just random fun—it reflects a deeper truth. Protesters are looking for ways to channel their personal anxieties, interests and frustrations into collective statements. These flags show that this is not just a matter of political organizations or interest groups. It’s about people taking a stand as individuals.
The power of satire in dark times
Satire has long been a form of resistance, and this year's protests are no exception. Social media users praised the protesters as a “nation of satire” and marveled at their ability to laugh even in the face of serious crises. One comment concluded: “It was cold and the situation was serious, but we still waved the flag that made everyone smile. That’s the true Korean spirit.
The idea of turning protests into a kind of “Flag Day” is not new. It first gained popularity during demonstrations in 2016 that led to the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye. At the time, demonstrators not affiliated with unions or political parties created copycat flags, such as the National Citizen Abolitionist Alliance. The same group reappeared this year, sharing DIY tips for making flags and safely waving them at protests.
This year's wave of flags, however, feels more personal and broader. From K-pop “deokhu” (super fans) to overworked office workers, the satirical banners attracted people who wouldn't normally attend political rallies.
One protester explained online: “These flags show that anyone can participate. You don't need to belong to a political group or have a loud voice. Even if all you care about is your cat, your iced Americano or your K-pop fans, you still have a reason to defend democracy.
