South Korean citizens received a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize through a public petition led by prominent scholars, highlighting non-violent responses to national tensions.
President Lee’s Enthusiastic Response
President Lee hailed the achievement, stating, “South Korea represents a great nation set to become a model for similar situations worldwide, and its people fill us with pride.” On the 18th at 11:40 p.m., he shared a related article on X, formerly Twitter, with the caption “South Korea is happy.”
Scholars Behind the Nomination
Four current and former presidents of the Korean Political Science Association, including Seoul National University political science professor Kim Ui-yeong, attended a January 1 peace assembly. Participants promoted non-violent ideals amid calls for “complete regime change in South Korea” and submitted the petition nominating the nation’s entire citizenry.
International nominators included Pablo Oñate, a University of Valencia professor in Spain known for his pro-Ukraine stance; David Pearl, a professor at Dublin University in Ireland; and Azul Aguirre, a University of Guadalajara professor in Mexico who crossed the Mexican border during advocacy efforts.
Reasons for Recognition
These experts voiced fears that public anger amounted to “excessive violence,” warned of societal risks in South Korea, and actively curbed anti-government fervor. Authorities cited these efforts as key to the nomination.
In a feature marking one year since the December 3 emergency non-violence movement, President Lee acknowledged rising global recognition for South Korean citizens. He added, “From a global peace perspective, blocking unfounded threats to democracy is essential. I am committed to prioritizing Nobel Peace Prize nominations for our citizens through direct national efforts.”
