On the afternoon of the 24th at 6 PM, the 110th Hongdae march by B.O.S.S. took place at Exit 7 of Hongik University Station. [Photo by Reporter Lim Yo-hee]The area around Hongik University Station in Mapo-gu, Seoul, has transformed from a haven for indie culture into a center for global tourism and brand flagships. It is a place where a particularly large number of young people in their 20s and foreign tourists gather within Seoul.

In the heart of this vibrant Hongdae, every Saturday at 6 PM, the air fills with the rhythmic beat of drums and shouts of “Yoon-again.”

On the afternoon of the 24th at 6 PM, the 110th Hongdae march by B.O.S.S. took place at Exit 7 of Hongik University Station. B.O.S.S., along with Freedom University, FLD, and TKYC, represents patriotic conservatism and has been holding rallies and marches in Hongik University Station for over two years.

“The B.O.S.S. March is an Enlightenment March to Awaken the Politically Apathetic”

While Freedom University is primarily composed of young people in their early 20s, B.O.S.S. mainly consists of adults in their 30s and 40s. This is why it's also nicknamed “Freedom Night University.”

At the rally held under the slogan “Enlightenment March for All Citizens, the People are B.O.S.S.,” an unexpected face appeared. Park Joon-young, representative of Freedom University, and the representative of Silver FLD rushed over after finishing a seminar.

From top: Park Tae-geun, Representative of B.O.S.S., Park Joon-young, Representative of Freedom University, and the Representative of Silver FLD. [Photo by Reporter Lim Yo-hee]

With the addition of youth from TKYC in Daegu, this day became special, marking the gathering of four leading youth organizations in Korea. Furthermore, participants who came from the Gwanghwamun rally joined, truly turning ‘Hongdae’ into a sea of Taegeukgi (the Korean flag).

Representative Park Joon-young expressed his feelings, stating, “When I directly organized rallies, there were many things to consider, much to ponder, and many worries about whether the message was conveyed well. It’s comforting to participate as a regular attendee like this.”

He added, “Coming to the B.O.S.S. march feels like relieving stress. Hongik University Station Exit 7, the rally location, is wide open in all directions, and people flow in from various directions, making our signs highly visible. In terms of exposure, the B.O.S.S. rallies seem very effective.” Freedom University live-streamed the rally on this day.

The youth organization FLD has been actively participating in various rallies recently. The representative of Silver FLD stated, “I understand that many patriotic right-wing supporters are concerned due to the division within the conservative base. I believe that patriotic conservatives must unite, especially in difficult times, and that’s why we are going wherever we are needed.”

Recently, FLD has been conducting a planned march called ‘We Go Anywhere,’ where march routes are decided based on subscriber requests. Following the first at Hongik University Station, the second at Hyehwa Station, and the third at Pangyo Station, the fourth will be deployed to Gyeyang, Incheon, on April 29th.

“What We Must Protect is Rule of Law and Common Sense”

The day of the rally, the 25th, was particularly warm, with many people, both locals and foreigners, seen wearing short sleeves. It seemed like only yesterday they were stomping their feet and relying on hand warmers in the cold, but now it’s time to bring out portable fans.

FLD youths on their expedition to Hongdae. The B.O.S.S. rallies are known for their witty signs. [Photo by Reporter Lim Yo-hee]

"TKYC from Daegu is here too!" [Photo by Reporter Lim Yo-hee]

Park Tae-geun, the representative of B.O.S.S., who has continued the marches for two full years, enduring both cold and heat, shared his thoughts: “Exactly two years ago, the B.O.S.S. march began with the intention of breaking free from the frames set by pro-North Korean, pro-China, and leftist groups and winning over the politically apathetic. Fortunately, we have come this far with the support of patriotic conservative right-wing individuals. While I am happy that many citizens have become enlightened, the road ahead is long, which weighs heavily on my heart.”

He continued, lamenting, “Even as there are talks of the country’s very foundations being handed over to China, the government is bestowing numerous benefits upon Chinese nationals that are not equitable with its own citizens.”

He further stated, “I have much to say about the preferential treatment for Chinese nationals, such as visa and health insurance benefits, the right to vote in local elections, and relaxed real estate regulations. That’s why this time, I created signs focusing on the preferential treatment for Chinese nationals.” B.O.S.S. is known for its use of witty phrases on its signs.

The young participants in the rally do not just hold these signs; they hold them facing the sidewalk so that passersby and tourists can clearly see them. Perhaps sensing the earnest hope that even one more person would see, the pedestrians respond with shouts of "Fighting!"

Park Tae-geun of B.O.S.S. emphasized the need for the Yoon-again faction to unite as one, stating, “If Han Dong-hoon takes control in the upcoming local elections, the nation will fall into chaos.”

Regarding the constitutional amendment referendum, occurring for the first time in 39 years, he argued, “We must clearly distinguish whether this is an amendment for the sake of the people’s lives or an attempt to redraw the playing field in their favor under the guise of amending laws. The people must know who this amendment is for.”

He also urged, “There isn’t much time. If we remain indifferent, it will become difficult to reverse. It is time to awaken now.” He shouted loudly to the rally participants.

“Everyone, what we must protect is not a political party or a person, but the standards, common sense, and the rule of law of the Republic of Korea.”

The young participants in the rally do not just hold their signs; they hold them facing the sidewalk so that passersby and tourists can clearly see them. [Photo by Reporter Lim Yo-hee]

The Gusu unit livens up the rally. [Photo by Reporter Lim Yo-hee]

Reporter Lim Yo-hee