A rally demanding the resignation of President Yoon Suk-yeol took place near the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The participants, wearing foil to combat snow and cold, have been nicknamed the 'Kisses protest group' and are drawing attention. Kim Sang-wook, a professor of physics at Kyunghee University, supported the participants, calling them 'space warriors.'
On the 6th, Professor Kim wrote a post titled 'The science of foil blankets' on Facebook. Professor Kim noted, 'Foil blankets or space blankets were developed by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) literally for warmth in space.' He continued describing the characteristics of heat, saying, 'Heat is transferred in three ways: conduction, convection, and radiation. To prevent heat loss from conduction and convection, we wear hats, clothes, and shoes. However, it is difficult to block radiation.'
He explained, 'Radiation is the phenomenon where any object with a temperature emits energy in the form of electromagnetic waves. A human body with a temperature of 36 degrees radiates in the infrared range. Infrared is highly permeable and difficult to block completely with clothing. In the vacuum of space, radiation is the main cause of heat loss. Thus, space blankets are important in space.'
Professor Kim stated, 'Since radiation is electromagnetic waves, it is reflected by metals. Even though it's called foil, it's actually aluminum, not silver. Aluminum is the most abundant metal in the earth's crust, making it cheaper than silver, and has high reflectivity. A foil blanket is made by coating aluminum on a thin plastic material. Therefore, it reflects the infrared emitted by the body, preserving body temperature.' He added, 'Thus, it's fitting to call the Kisses protest group in Hannam-dong space warriors.'
Meanwhile, compared to the day before the expiration of President Yoon's arrest warrant, pro and anti-arrest groups each held rallies near the presidential residence in Hannam-dong. Despite a heavy snow warning in Seoul, predicting up to 8 cm of snow, citizens continued their overnight protest, protecting themselves with umbrellas, raincoats, and foil blankets.
In response, netizens commented that the image of the protestors draped in foil blankets resembles the packaging of the famous American chocolate brand 'Kisses,' giving rise to nicknames such as the 'Kisses brigade,' 'Kisses protest group,' and 'Kisses comrades.'