Disillusionment in South Korea: Women Protest But Find Their Voices Silenced in Election Cycle

With the presidential election approaching, women who played a vital role in protests against ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol feel marginalized, as candidates sidestep pressing gender issues, marking a troubling return to invisibility.

Abundant protests led South Korean women to voice their frustrations against former president Yoon Suk Yeol, whose anti-feminist rhetoric and policies ignited a passionate movement. Young women took to the streets, especially amidst the alarm of martial law declared on December 3, drawing thousands to rallies that reflected their shared anger and aspiration for gender equality. However, with the election on June 3, many women feel their earlier momentum has dissipated. Candidates are largely silent on issues related to gender rights, despite the protests that rallied their collective discontent against Yoon's presidency.

At the forefront of the movement was 24-year-old Byunghui, who journeyed to Seoul amidst fears of governmental oppression. The overwhelming turnout of women, many inspired by anthems from K-pop icon Girls’ Generation, pointed to a growing awareness of systemic discrimination within South Korean society. Their triumph over Yoon’s impeachment marked a turning point; however, upcoming elections, devoid of female candidates among the seven running for presidency, has left women feeling abandoned once more.

Candidates like Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party appear to have adopted less progressive stances towards commitments on women's rights compared to his previous campaign. While he did acknowledge structural discrimination after backlash, activists like 23-year-old Kim Saeyeon lament the limited scope of these new pledges upon further inspection. Feelings of isolation and frustration grow as many women express concerns that their voices and hard-won rights are not being reflected in the dialogues shaping the national election.

Anti-feminist movements have gained traction among young men, who claim a sense of victimhood stemming from policies perceived to favor women. This societal rift has made the political landscape a battleground for issues of equality that many feel aren't being addressed adequately by current candidates. As they rally to reclaim their presence in discourse, women like Jinha and Saeyeon maintain hope that the momentum of protests may ultimately shape future political spheres. “It’s about not reverting to a time when politics was inaccessible,” Jinha asserts. The election cycle ahead will test whether women's voices can break through the political noise once again.