Citizens gather in Olympic Park in Seoul's southern Songpa District on June 16. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

Korea’s younger generations have demonstrated how collective action can unite a community rather than divide it. Their creative, caring rallies offer a glimpse of hope in an increasingly fragmented world.

While protesting what they view as violations of citizens’ voting rights in the June 3 local elections, they have organized rallies that are interactive and engaging.

At Olympic Park in Seoul’s southern Songpa District, tens of thousands of citizens — many in their 20s and 30s — have gathered daily since June 4, the day after local elections were held nationwide. They chant slogans urging politicians to overhaul the National Election Commission (NEC) and demanding that local elections be redone.

Instead of carrying professionally printed banners, many participants hold handwritten signs. When the rallies conclude, volunteers collect trash and clean the venue, helping to keep the area safe and welcoming.

Olympic Park has evolved into a caring community. A man who introduced himself as having a science Ph.D. offers free math tutoring to school-age children accompanying their parents. Daycare workers help look after children so parents can focus on participating in the rallies. Donations continue to pour in. Supporters who cannot attend contribute food and drinks. One of the most striking features is the determination of participants and supporters to find meaningful ways to sustain the movement.

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© The Korea Times