Channel PNU interviewed a student from Myanmar to further explore the situation in Myanmar at the point of a year after the coup d'état. Yoon Soo-Mi (27), currently studying at Pukyong National University graduate school, came to Korea for the first time in autumn of 2018. During the last three and a half years, she visited her hometown in Myanmar only once, in 2019. We heard a vivid story from Soo-Mi, who has friends and family in Myanmar. We want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to her for offering a meaningful interview and delivering her view of the local situation.  

Q. What is the current situation of Myanmar that you hear from your friends and family in Myanmar?

A. I have friends in Myanmar. At the point after a year of coup d'état, most people could not use the internet in cities. They cut off the electricity to block access to social media so that people cannot do the live upload on SNS. Electricity goes out every day, and people cannot carry on with their daily life. Domestic press and media can only distribute the news under the control of the military. Therefore, every day, war and protests are happening.

Q. Who led the demonstrations, and how did they proceed?

A. As far as I know, protestors on the road were already arrested by the military. Among those who were not caught, there is Pat Jasan. He uploads the overall demonstration plan, and the People's Defense Army (PDF) is leading the demo. In addition, after the coup d'état, a National Unity Government (NUG) was created. NUG makes the overall plan, and youths take demonstrations.

There are two current protests: online protest and silent protest. We used to protest and complain against the military on the road before. However, we stopped that now because it risks our lives. For online protest, we use every available online media. Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are mainly used. In the end, because online protest is also an action against the military, the internet fee has increased a lot. One gigabyte was originally 50 Kyat, but now, it is up to 500 Kyat. The military is also blocking WIFI and electricity.

Q. What are the people of Myanmar demanding for their lives?

A. What we want the most is democracy. We want peace as it was before the coup d'état, not checking or inspecting what is in our bags every time we go out, to meet and talk with friends comfortably on the street, and go to work as usual. Getting back to peaceful daily life is also essential.

Q. How do student activists in Myanmar participate in demonstrations?

A. From the early days of the coup d'état, students participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM). Students and teachers expressed their stance by not going to school. This means that they are not accepting the education system under the military regime. Recently, teachers who are not part of CDM opened the school again and offered regular education. Students continue their academic careers and graduate even under challenging circumstances.

Q. What are some movements in Korea for democracy in Myanmar?

A. Many people protest on the streets, shouting democracy in Myanmar. In Busan, demonstrations are held mainly at Busan Station, and in the Seoul metropolitan area, at Bupyeong Station. Before the COVID-19 situation got this worse, I participated in the protest at Busan Station every Sunday. Thankfully, many Koreans participated in the protest. However, as the spread of COVID-19 has become severe, fundraising is taking place instead of the rally. 

Q. Do you think the international society is making an effort for Myanmar?

A. Personally, I would say no. When the coup d’état happened at first, I expected the assistance and help of international society. Our people thought that the coup d'état could be suppressed if the UN intervened within 72 hours. Therefore, I waited without doing anything. Meanwhile, many people, including politicians, were arrested, and 72 hours passed by. There was no rescue or help after that, and then we judged that international society is not familiar with the situation of Myanmar. We struggled to inform the happening through SNS, but it did not affect much. 

Q. What are the actions that you want from the international community for Myanmar?

A. A year passed since the coup d'état, and NUG was created in the process. To play a role that only the government can play, such as purchasing weapons, I hope the international community recognizes the NUG as Myanmar’s new government. I hope the international community puts pressure on the military, such as prosecuting the military that started the coup d’état at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and doing a trial and punishing them. Any form of help, assistance, or aid for refugees and internally displaced persons of Myanmar would mean a lot. 

Q. Is there anything you want to say to the readers?

A. More attention is needed to prevent further damage, such as war happening inside Myanmar, to regain democracy. People should be alert so this incident never occurs again. It has been a long time since Myanmar people have had big smiles on their faces due to COVID 19 and the coup d'état. I look forward to the day when Myanmar people have a grin on their faces.

By Lee Yeo-Jin, Editor-in-Chief & Lee Su-Hyun, Reporter

Translated by Lee Su-Hyun, Reporter