▲ A student sharing his opinion. Photographed by Lee Che Yeon

On September 14, the World Movement for Democracy, the Korea Foundation and Korea University (KU) Human Rights Center jointly hosted a roundtable symposium on the topic of “Students’ Perception on the Candlelight Movement.” Participants including activists and professors from all over the world had time to discuss their views on the movement.

 
Many students who have directly took part in the vigil stated that they were impressed by its peaceful atmosphere. Research Professor Kim Min-woo (KU Human Rights Center) asserted, “Even though we have a long way to go, it is clear that democracy has been improving. The candlelight movement served as a stark contrast to previous protests, which were relatively violent.”
 
Students in response added that the candlelit rallies carried significance in that they gave confidence to citizens that their rights can and will be protected. Unfortunately, international participants had to leave for the meeting with the National Assembly, ending the symposium shorter than planned. Nevertheless, the discussion provided the participants a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the history and appreciate the value of democracy and pollical participation. 
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