Student movements in Korea

Student movements have played a significant role in much of modern Korean history. Secondary school and university students have participated in demonstrations and political activism in many forms since the broadening of the standardized education system during early 20th century Japanese colonization. Much of their activism has aligned with broader social movements, such as anti-colonial and pro-independence movements prior to 1945 liberation, pro-democracy activism against authoritarian administrations, and various social issues relating to both student affairs and broader Korean society. Student movements have been largely associated with left-wing politics and interest groups in Korea and their involvement in South Korean politics persists to this day.