South Korean Protesters Adapt ‘Feliz Navidad’ into Anti-Government Anthem #

A Festive Tune Becomes a Call for Impeachment #

Tens of thousands of South Korean protesters have been calling for President Yoon Suk Yeol’s removal through various musical expressions, including traditional percussion, trot pop, and K-pop hits. Among these, an adaptation of ‘Feliz Navidad’ has emerged as a prominent protest anthem.

The adapted version’s opening verse repeats: “Impeachment is the answer.” Crowds have been singing, “If Yoon Suk Yeol gets lost, it’s a Merry Christmas,” to the tune of the 1970 Christmas classic. The song has gained significant traction on social media platforms, with millions of views and translations into other languages.

The creator of this protest anthem, Baek Jae Gil, known professionally as Baekja, is a 52-year-old musician with a long history of activism. He performed the song for thousands outside the National Assembly in Seoul following a brief declaration of martial law by President Yoon.

Baek’s involvement in protests dates back to 1989 when he participated in a teachers’ movement that faced brutal suppression. He recalls the fear and violence of those early demonstrations, which involved tear gas and violent repression.

Growing up in South Korea’s southwest, Baek was influenced by stories of military suppression of pro-democracy protests. He moved to Seoul for better opportunities and began writing political poetry in high school, which later evolved into songwriting.

Baek’s musical activism began in earnest in 1990 when he first performed at a pro-democracy protest on his university campus. Throughout the early 1990s, he frequently sang amidst tear gas at student and worker demonstrations.

Over the past two decades, Baek has observed a significant shift in protest culture. Demonstrations have become more peaceful, with a lighter mood prevailing. He credits the 2002 candlelight vigils and the 2016 protests against President Park Geun-hye as turning points in making protests more jubilant and prideful expressions of democracy.

The idea for adapting ‘Feliz Navidad’ came from these earlier protests, where a version targeting former President Park had been performed. Baek wrote his adaptation in 2022, aiming to create a song fitting for the Christmas season while addressing current political issues.

Despite facing some legal challenges over his satirical works, Baek continues to perform at rallies. He has noticed a younger demographic at recent protests and takes pride in lifting people’s spirits through his music.

At a recent demonstration, Baek encouraged the crowd to dance and stay warm, showcasing how protest culture in South Korea has evolved to incorporate elements of celebration and community alongside political expression.