Candlelight Vigils Face Growing Opposition

Following a 25-year-old college student’s one-man protest, an increasing number of people are expressing their opposition to the candlelight vigil.

Lee Se-jin was the first person to stage a one-man protest against the candlelight vigil on Tuesday in front of the Finance Center, central Seoul. Now, there are more people taking to the streets to raise their voices against the vigil. The number of members of the People’s Coalition in Protest against the Candlelight Vigil, an Internet community, has also jumped to over 5,000.

A total of 10 protestors, including three members from The Coalition to Make a Bright Internet World, joined Lee’s anti-candlelight protest in front of the Finance Center at 3 p.m. Friday, saying, “It’s time to blow out the candles.”

“I was surprised yesterday, when I heard people swear at Lee while walking down the street. We need to give the president some time before criticizing him. It is wrong to stage rallies or express opposition just for the sake of opposition,” said one of the protestors.

On Thursday, 20-year-old college student Kim and 29-year-old office worker Lee also staged a rally. “I joined the move because I was touched by an article on an anti-candlelight community Web site. Given that there are people both for and against the candlelight vigil, I am here to express my opinion.”

Constant altercations were seen between anti-candlelight vigil protesters and vigil supporters.

“How much do you get paid for your part-time work?” a passer-by called out to Lee on Friday. A group of people, who showed their discontent against the anti-candlelight vigil protestors, also had a run-in with police officers.

Anti-candlelight vigil community Web sites were swarmed by articles expressing their support for the anti-candlelight protestors. “I will pray for your safety today,” read one of the articles. Meanwhile, some 50 people from a Christian organization held an anti-candlelight rally at Seoul Plaza in front of Seoul City Hall at around 1 a.m. Friday. They sang hymns while carrying signs saying “No more premeditated and distorted TV reports,” and “We oppose impeachment.”

constant25@donga.com