More Than One Demonstration Per Day Occurred Since Initiation of Roh’s Regime

Since Roh’s regime initiated, more than one critical demonstration per day, which has greatly attracted the people’s attention, has taken place. Violent illegal occupations also have occurred about once every five days. However, it is revealed that the occupations usually have a relatively low success ratio compared to other peaceful demonstrations.

This is the result of the unanimity survey on the demonstrations which have occurred from the period of Roh’s inauguration to November 30. The survey was carried out by the reporters of Donga Ilbo, a Korean daily. As for the demonstrations, the police and other official agencies have not totaled it up formally, instead the demonstrations as mentioned in the newspapers have been used for counting them.

During the period targeted by the research (February 25 - November 30), a total of 328 demonstrations have been reported by the newspaper over 279 days. This equals about 1.18 cases per a day, essentially more than one critical demonstration have occurred per day.

160 cases (48.8 percent), about half of the total 328 cases, did not accomplish their goals, but 100 cases (30.5 percent) achieved their purpose. 68 cases (20.7 percent) are either pending problems or have questions or issues.

Most of the demonstrations were conducted at offices or religious facilities, but 62 violent illegal occupations also occurred outside these areas, making up 18.9 percent of the total demonstrations.

Among these occupations, 35 cases (56.5 percent) failed, and only 16 cases (25.8 percent) succeeded to accomplish its goal. The more aggressive the demonstration becomes, the lower the ratio of success.

“As Roh’s regime was established, more people tried to stand up for their rights. However, there aren’t many proper countermeasures to deal with this, resulting in the incessant violent demonstrations,” remarked Joe Dae-yeop, Professor of Sociology at Korea University, adding, “The violent demonstrations usually limits the way to negotiate, making it more difficult for other people to accept their suggestion. That’s why these aggressive demonstrations mostly fail to achieve their goals.”

sublime@donga.com jarrett@donga.com