From Candles to Lightsticks: The Affective Turn and Media Paradox in South Korea’s Impeachment Protests (2016 vs. 2024)
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What happens when a solemn political protest transforms into a vibrant street concert? In 2024, South Korea’s streets didn't just roar with political slogans; they glowed with thousands of K-pop lightsticks. This study explores a radical shift in the democratic movement: the transition from the solemn "Candlelight Vigil" of 2016 to the "Affective Concert" of 2024. Drawing on Structural Topic Modeling (STM), Sentiment Analysis, and Semantic Network Analysis of 30,000 news articles, this study reveals an insurgent protest repertoire—where K-pop chants, festive atmospheres, and fan-culture lightsticks replace traditional political solemnity. The research uncovers a surprising shift in the media landscape: the festive and cultural nature of the recent protests successfully shifted the traditional media framing. Even conservative newspapers moved away from negative conflict frames, instead portraying the movement as a positive civic festival. By comparing these two historic waves, this study offers fresh insights into the future of non-violent resistance and democratic resilience in East Asia, illustrating how joy and fandom have become powerful weapons against democratic backsliding.
Light lunch will be provided.
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