- Title : The Korean Efforts to Virtual Solidarity toward Myanmar Democratization: An Analysis of Social Media
- Author : Huh Jungwon(HK Research Professor)
- Journal : Multiculture & Peace
- Publication Date : 2023.12
- Abstract
This study used Google search history and social media data to assess the trend of Korean support for the pro-democracy movement in Myanmar. We looked at the elements that affect international civil society's support for the pro-democracy movement in Myanmar in Korea. First, we discovered that, in contrast to Google's global search trends, which indicated a considerable increase in search volume shortly after the coup, interest in Myanmar remained constant during the first half of 2021 in South Korea. Second, compared to the same time last year, South Korean Twitter activity supporting democracy in Myanmar exploded. Third, the recall of the Gwangju Democracy Movement first surfaced in citizen discourse before news publications, and it was the top trending search phrase for Myanmar. Finally, statements of solidarity from the South Korean government and politicians had a greater impact on social media volume than news about the situation on the ground in Myanmar. Future research should analyze cyber-active solidarity for democratization in Asia, such as the Milk Tea Movement, and explore the sustainability of cross-referencing and solidarity across time and space.
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