미얀마 쿠데타에 맞선 수백만 명, 저항의 불이 꺼지다

Imagine living in a country where the military controls everything — the government, the streets, even what you can say and do. That is Myanmar today. And yet, for several years now, millions of people have refused to accept this reality.

In 2021, the Myanmar military took power in a sudden coup. What they did not expect was the size of the anger that followed. Across the country, ordinary people — young and old — joined the resistance. They organized protests, boycotts, and strikes. Artists made music criticizing the generals. Teachers refused to work. Factory workers walked out. The energy was electric. Many believed a real revolution was coming, one that could transform Myanmar and return power to the people.

But revolutions are hard work, and they take time. Years passed. The military responded with violence and arrests. Thousands of people were killed or imprisoned. Supply chains broke down. The economy suffered. Life became incredibly difficult for ordinary citizens. Slowly, the optimism that filled the streets began to fade.

Today, the resistance still exists, but it is fragmented and exhausted. Some activists continue the fight in hiding. Others have left the country. Many who stayed have simply stopped protesting, worn down by the endless struggle. The dream of quick, dramatic change has dimmed into something quieter and sadder — a long, slow hope for something that might never come.

This is a story about how resistance movements work in the real world. They are not like movies. Real change is messy, painful, and full of setbacks. People get tired. Resources run out. Victories are small and rare. Yet the question remains: Do millions of people still believe Myanmar can change? Or has the dream been buried too deep to recover?

Inspired by reporting from BBC News.