People power in South Korea

Filipinos love South Korea for its K-drama, BTS, K-beauty and fashion trends and Korean food.

- HARRY ROQUE

K-drama's popularity in the Philippines, in fact, baffled two government officials. Senator Jinggoy Estrada floated the idea of banning these shows in the country, which he later withdrew, after it met fiery criticisms from the K-drama fandom. On the other hand, Senator Robin Padilla said he was dumbfounded why Filipinos are smitten with K-drama actors, remarking in jest that his nose has not gone through plastic surgery, a dig to South Korea, which has been dubbed as the cosmetic surgery capital of the world.

I would personally add another item to the growing list of things to admire in South Korea. This is: South Korea's vibrant democracy.

On Dec. 3, 2024, at 10:23 p.m., embattled South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law for the first time in 44 years. This declaration came amid his party and the opposition party's discussion over the country's budget. Sounds eerily familiar?!

President Yoon defended his action, citing the threat of "shameless, pro-North Korean anti-state forces," without offering any evidence to back up his claim.

The National Assembly, meanwhile, revoked the martial law, which lasted about six hours, forcing President Yoon to lift his earlier declaration.

On Dec. 14, President Yoon was impeached by the National Assembly and had been suspended from his duties.

A Constitutional Court, composed of six justices, has been given 180 days to decide whether the President will be removed from office or restored to his position.