Despite engaging in significant protests against former President Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korean youth find their choices in the recent elections to be uninspiring and irrelevant to their pressing concerns.
Disillusioned Youth: South Korea’s Presidential Election Fails to Inspire Change
Disillusioned Youth: South Korea’s Presidential Election Fails to Inspire Change
Young voters express disappointment over candidates in the aftermath of martial law and protests.
In the wake of President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief martial law declaration in December, a wave of young demonstrators emerged, abandoning apathy for activism. Protests filled the streets of Seoul as these youth called for his ouster, channeling their frustrations through songs, marches, and the unmistakable glow of K-pop light sticks. Their collective efforts were rewarded when Yoon was impeached and subsequently removed from office, marking a significant victory for the protesters.
However, as Election Day approached, the very candidates vying for their votes left many young citizens feeling underwhelmed and neglected. “My one thought on this election is disgust,” stated An Ye-young, 20, who took part in her first demonstrations against Yoon. “It’s a feast with nothing to eat,” she lamented after casting her ballot early, clearly frustrated with the options presented to her.
Many young South Koreans feel the candidates have overlooked critical issues that affect their lives, including rising youth unemployment, inadequacies in pension reform, and the persistent discrimination and abuse against women. The current economic landscape reflects their concerns: the unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 to 29 has surged to a four-year high of 6.8 percent in the first quarter of 2025, amplifying the urgency of their demands.
As the election unfolds amid this discontent, it appears the hopes of South Korea's youth for transformative political representation remain unfulfilled, leaving them questioning not only the candidates but also the future of their engagement in the democratic process.
However, as Election Day approached, the very candidates vying for their votes left many young citizens feeling underwhelmed and neglected. “My one thought on this election is disgust,” stated An Ye-young, 20, who took part in her first demonstrations against Yoon. “It’s a feast with nothing to eat,” she lamented after casting her ballot early, clearly frustrated with the options presented to her.
Many young South Koreans feel the candidates have overlooked critical issues that affect their lives, including rising youth unemployment, inadequacies in pension reform, and the persistent discrimination and abuse against women. The current economic landscape reflects their concerns: the unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 to 29 has surged to a four-year high of 6.8 percent in the first quarter of 2025, amplifying the urgency of their demands.
As the election unfolds amid this discontent, it appears the hopes of South Korea's youth for transformative political representation remain unfulfilled, leaving them questioning not only the candidates but also the future of their engagement in the democratic process.
