In brief
Baek Jae Gil's protest song, inspired by the classic holiday tune, has become the voice of tens of thousands of demonstrators in South Korea calling for the ouster of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
In South Korea, a wave of demonstrations calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol reached new heights as a catchy protest anthem, an adaptation of the Christmas classic "Feliz Navidad," swept through the crowds. Led by Baek Jae Gil, the song features the resonant phrase, "Impeachment is the answer," as its backbone, echoing the sentiments of tens of thousands of protesters who have gathered in recent weeks.At an energetic rally near the National Assembly, Baek, also known as Baekja, performed his viral hit, captivating demonstrators with its infectious melody. The song's popularity surged online, amassing nine million views on platforms like X, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, while a Chinese translation has also made its way onto WeChat. "If Yoon Suk Yeol gets lost, it’s a Merry Christmas," rang through the streets, blending traditional percussion, modern pop rhythms, and youthful enthusiasm.Baek, 52, has been an active figure in South Korea's pro-democracy movement for over three decades. From his early experiences in the 1989 teachers’ protests, which ultimately led to the establishment of a national labor union, to the current dynamic atmosphere of peaceful demonstrations, he has witnessed a significant cultural shift. The unifying spirit of the recent protests, marked by hope and humor, is a telling response to the political turmoil surrounding President Yoon’s controversial decisions, including a brief announcement of martial law last week.As South Korea navigates this pivotal moment, the protests not only reflect a demand for political change but also signify the powerful role of music and collective voices in shaping societal movements.
