Page 55 - myeong_shin_ebook_2019

2019 Eunoia

On March 31st, 2019, the first Hong Kong protest was held. Before the second review of the law on
June 12th, the protests became bigger. On June 9th, more than 1 million people took part in the protests.
It was the biggest protest since the return of Hong Kong to China in 1997. As a result, the government
announced that it would delay enforcing the law, but Hong Kong citizens insisted that the government
should withdraw the law and that Carrie Lam (the minster of administration in Hong Kong) should resign.
A protest with more than two million people followed, and the Minister finally issued a formal apology
statement stating that the Hong Kong Extradition Law legislative process would not begin until social
conflicts were resolved. The protest became bigger, and anti-China sentiments grew.

After Hong Kong’s return to China from the UK in 1997, China has continually insisted on a way of
governing Hong Kong called the “one country, two systems" policy. In opposition to this move, on July 1st,
the 22nd anniversary of their return, about 550,000 people occupied a legislative building. A clash with the
police occurred in the process of the protesters occupying the building. Finally, on July 9th, Lam declared
the law was to be discarded. However, on July 21st, there was an incident of white terror3). On July 27st,
290,000 people gathered to criticize the incident, but they were forced to break up by the police. On July
30st, the Hong Kong government arrested and prosecuted 44 protesters including a 16-year-old girl. A
massive general blockade protest was then held, involving more than 500,000 people in about 20 areas
including the airport and many subway stations. On August 11st, about 40 people were injured due to
police violence. The cruelty and violence of the police suppression was revealed on SNS, and the world has
joined in on the criticism. On the 24st of November, Hong Kong had the highest turnout of any election in
the past 38 years which changed the political landscape. The Pro-Democrats won 389 seats, and the pro-
China power decreased as they went from 308 to 86 seats, becoming the minority power. Pro-Democrats
now occupy 81% of the seats.

The anger of Hong Kong citizens has already crossed
the threshold. Young people have died in the protests,
and the police have lost their credibility. Many citizens
feel helpless because of the violence of the police,
but the Pro-Democrats won an overwhelming victory
in the election. Can Hong Kong's future be a victory
for democracy?

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3) White terror 백색테러(정치적 목적을 달성하기 위해 암살, 파괴 등을 수단으로 하는 우익세력의 테러)

55MYEONG-SHIN GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL