In an unexpected turn of events, South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol’s comment about the price of spring onions has triggered widespread protests, creating a political crisis. What seemed like a simple misjudgment about food prices escalated into a confrontation that saw the declaration of martial law, only for the president to reverse it following intense public backlash.
The Spring Onion Revolt
On a recent supermarket visit, President Yoon commented that the price of 875 won for a bunch of spring onions seemed reasonable. However, Koreans quickly pointed out that this price was a temporary supermarket discount, not reflective of the actual market value, which ranged between 3,000 and 4,000 won. His failure to grasp the real price gap caused public outrage, as it seemed out of touch with the struggles of ordinary citizens.
Protestors, waving spring onions as a vivid symbol of discontent, flooded the streets. The situation worsened when President Yoon’s party lost its parliamentary majority, leading to his declaration of martial law on December 3. Yet, within six hours, massive protests and a parliamentary vote forced Yoon to backtrack, reversing the controversial decision.
In Korean culture, spring onions are more than just a culinary ingredient. While other vegetables like cabbages and ginseng are central to Korean cuisine, spring onions also hold great value for their mild pungency and fresh, green flavor. Used in iconic dishes such as pa-kimchi and pajeon pancakes, they are an essential component in both home-cooked meals and street food.
Historically, spring onions were sold by widows, as described in Graham Holliday’s Eating Korea. These women sold what they could grow to supplement meager pensions. The simplicity of growing spring onions, as noted by William Carlos Williams in his poem To Be Hungry is To Be Great, has made them a staple crop worldwide.
The humble spring onion, known for its diverse forms—from fat white bulbs to slender stalks—holds significance across cultures. In China, poets like Du Fu romanticized them in their works. In Catalonia, the variety known as calçots is grilled and served with wine. These examples highlight the global importance of spring onions as both food and cultural symbol.
In India, though onions may not be a primary ingredient in many dishes, spring onions find their place in regional recipes, such as Kashmiri spring onions cooked with eggs or a Konkani dish with dried prawns.
The Political Fallout: Why Spring Onions Matter in South Korea
The protests in South Korea were not just about the price of spring onions—they were a larger reflection of the growing disconnect between the government and the public. The political crisis surrounding Yoon’s remarks underscores how a simple misunderstanding can amplify deeper societal frustrations, especially when it touches on something as relatable as food prices.
The power of spring onions has now become a symbol of resistance, as South Koreans use it to rally against perceived governmental failure. The protests highlight how even the most mundane issues—like the cost of vegetables—can become a flashpoint for political change.South Korea’s spring onion crisis serves as a striking example of how public sentiment can quickly turn against political leaders. What began as a comment on food prices evolved into a significant political confrontation, culminating in protests that forced a reversal of a government decision. As spring onions continue to be a staple in Korean cuisine and culture, they have now become an emblem of defiance and political awakening.
