People gather at Gwanghwamun Square to enjoy Christmas decorations as holiday season comes in Seoul. Some visitors, however, are distracted by the political turmoil that has taken over the country in recent weeks. “It feels like this Christmas should be a little brighter and happier, and it's a bit disappointing that it's not, but since there's always next year, I hope this Christmas can still be a hopeful one, helping to make the upcoming New Year a better one,” says visitor Won Yong-hee. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES