[COVER STORY] Years of neglect fueled France protests, French nationals in Korea say

The public anger in France spilling over into unrest is something that has been brewing for a long time, with little response from the government over calls for reforms for better education and living conditions, French nationals living in Korea say. They generally agree that the French government's long-standing neglect and inaction have fueled mounting public anger, saying people's concerns have long gone unheard. "Government hasn’t listened enough to people’s concerns about the climate, the economy and now education. When people repeatedly feel unheard, frustration builds up," Hugo Adam, a graduate student at Seoul National University, told The Korea Times. A French filmmaker, who requested anonymity, agreed that the French government has failed to "listen to its people," despite the many protests that have taken place over the years. He said his family and friends back home are participating in the protests. The protests began in mid-September by students calling for a better education environment including more teachers and improved school facilities. Illustrator Zoe Constans sai