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The spirit of independence also goes beyond preserving Korean culture. The connection
between people and their values isn’t limited to independence. Korea’s history has shown

repeatedly that collective effort can influence the direction of a country. An example of this is
the
candlelight protest over President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law in December 2024.
I remember seeing this event unfold all over the news and social media, and I was struck by the
diversity of people who came together. Students stood alongside parents and grandparents, all
united by their wish for a better future. Even with the tension of the situation, the protest
stayed
peaceful, with people using the power of collective voices to express their opinions. Even
though this event and the 1919 independence movement couldn’t be any more different with a
century to set them apart, I find similarities in the desire to have a voice in the future of their
country. While those in 1919 marched along with flags in their hands, people today gather with
candles, signs, and sometimes even K-pop light sticks. These tiny details may change, but their
underlying purpose remains the same.
That is the spirit of independence that I believe future generations should carry forward.
It’s not only the courage to fight for freedom when threatened, but also the responsibility to
protect what matters. Independence is not something that ends once it’s achieved by those in
history books. It continues through simple actions like learning a language, practicing traditions,
and passing on the values and identity that earlier generations had worked so hard to protect.
Funny enough, another thing I remember from the parade was that, after walking for
what felt like a whole lifetime in the heat, I had Chick-Fil-A for the first time. As an eight year old,
that probably was the most exciting part of my day. However, when I think back to that day now,
I remember more than the heat, exhaustion, or even my first Chick-Fil-A sandwich. I remember
holding a tiny Korean flag and feeling proud and belonging without having the words to explain
why. Growing older and reflecting has given me an answer now. I understand that the pride that
I felt came from being a part of an identity that ordinary people before had fought hard to
preserve. But their legacy teaches us something more, it’s a reminder that ordinary people have
the ability to protect their values, speak up for their beliefs, and shape what comes next.

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