After a significant rise in youth activism, many young South Koreans are left feeling disenfranchised by the current election candidates, raising concerns over key issues like unemployment and gender discrimination.
Disenchanted Youth: South Korea's Elections Fall Flat for Young Voters
Disenchanted Youth: South Korea's Elections Fall Flat for Young Voters
As the political landscape shifts, South Korean youth express disappointment in their electoral choices.
In a surprising display of dissent, young South Koreans took to the streets following President Yoon Suk Yeol's controversial imposition of martial law in December. This series of protests, marked by the vibrant presence of K-pop light sticks, signified a pivotal moment for a generation yearning for change. When Yoon was impeached, a sense of victory filled the air among these youth activists, convinced their voices had made a difference. However, as they headed to the polling stations for the recent elections, the mood shifted to one of disillusionment.
An Ye-young, a 20-year-old voter deeply involved in the protests, expressed her frustrations sharply: “My one thought on this election is disgust. It’s a feast with nothing to eat.” This sentiment echoed across social media platforms where voters lamented the lack of candidates who resonate with their struggles—issues like soaring youth unemployment, pension reforms, and persistent gender-based discrimination remained largely unaddressed.
The unemployment rate for young South Koreans, aged 15 to 29, hit a staggering 6.8% in the first quarter, the highest it has been in four years. In a political environment perceived as out of touch, many young voters were left feeling that the elections offered no viable solutions for their pressing concerns. As they await the results, their future remains uncertain, and their hope for change hangs in the balance.
An Ye-young, a 20-year-old voter deeply involved in the protests, expressed her frustrations sharply: “My one thought on this election is disgust. It’s a feast with nothing to eat.” This sentiment echoed across social media platforms where voters lamented the lack of candidates who resonate with their struggles—issues like soaring youth unemployment, pension reforms, and persistent gender-based discrimination remained largely unaddressed.
The unemployment rate for young South Koreans, aged 15 to 29, hit a staggering 6.8% in the first quarter, the highest it has been in four years. In a political environment perceived as out of touch, many young voters were left feeling that the elections offered no viable solutions for their pressing concerns. As they await the results, their future remains uncertain, and their hope for change hangs in the balance.
