Saturday’s massive anti-government protest might have felt menacing to President Park Geun-hye and her allies, but it was a peaceful event for those who took to the streets filled with hope for a more resilient democracy.



The event kicked off at 4 p.m., but people started to gather from early in the afternoon with banners calling for the president’s resignation and candles for the vigil in the evening.



Artworks mocking the president and her now infamous friend Choi Soon-sil were installed at various spots at Gwanghwamun Square. Celebrities, and non-celebrities, performed in front of crowds both big and small. Ordinary people -- even elementary school students -- gave impromptu speeches on stage.



“It was so fun and peaceful. I am learning again that this is democracy,” Kang Soon-ja, a protestor in her late 50s, told The Korea Herald after taking a photo with an artist dressed up as Choi Soon-sil at Gwanghwamun Square.



A protester holds up a banner that reads “You are fired” in front of the Sejong Center for Performing Arts in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. ((Ock Hyun-ju/The Korea Herald)

People from all walks of life came to the rally, from unionized workers to religious leaders, high-school students and parents with children. It drew over 1 million, according to organizers, marking the largest anti-government protest since the country’s democratization in 1987.



“I was at the forefront of fighting for democracy during the democratic uprising in June 1987. Back then, we had to risk our lives to confront the government,” a 53-year-old surnamed Shin said.



“Now, we can peacefully march through central Seoul and raise our voices. I feel so overwhelmed.”



Citizens clean up garbage after a candlelight vigil at Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday. (Yonhap)

Scores of others told The Korea Herald that they felt overwhelmed to be part of “a historic moment.” Expressing anger at Park’s friend Choi, a civilian, “running the country behind the scenes,” they said that joining the rally was the least they could do to salvage the country’s democracy.



“This government has made fools of Korean citizens. We have put up with the government failing to deal with the Sewol ferry disaster, but this time I have had enough of President Park Geun-hye,” said Choi Myung-ok, 44, who came to the scene with her family.



“I cannot feel helpless anymore. It is a chance to learn that we should better oversee those in power.”



Yoon Song-yi, 37, who brought her 6-year-old child, said that she wanted to teach her what democracy was.



“When my child asked me who this country’s owner was, I wanted to teach her it was us – Koreans -- not a handful of powerful people,” she said. “I was not interested in politics before, but I had to come because I want my child to live in a better society.”



Satirical posters criticizing President Park Geun-hye are seen at bus stops near Gwanghwamun Square after Saturday’s candlelight vigil. (Yonhap)