In South Korea, recent Electoral disappointments have left many young voters disengaged, amidst key socio-economic issues remaining unaddressed by candidates on the ballot.
Disillusioned Youth: South Korea's Electorate Feels Let Down by Presidential Candidates
Disillusioned Youth: South Korea's Electorate Feels Let Down by Presidential Candidates
Young voters in South Korea express disappointment over candidates failing to address critical issues as election day approaches.
As South Korea prepares for its recent elections, a wave of disenchantment pervades the young electorate, particularly those who had actively protested against President Yoon Suk Yeol after his controversial martial law declaration in December 2024. The outcry culminated in Yoon’s impeachment, signifying a moment of triumph for many, especially among the youth.
However, disillusionment swiftly followed as this demographic assessed the candidates vying for their votes in the June 2025 elections. "My one thought on this election is disgust," stated 20-year-old An Ye-young, a student who first joined protests against Yoon. This sentiment illustrates a broader dissatisfaction felt by her peers regarding the relevance of candidates to their pressing concerns.
Key issues such as high youth unemployment, stable pension provisions, and gender equality remain insufficiently articulated in the political discourse, causing many young voters to feel neglected. Currently, youth unemployment in South Korea has soared to 6.8%—the highest it has been in four years.
Young voters like An are yearning for a political discourse that resonates with their realities, rather than just a selection of candidates they feel disconnected from. The sentiment echoes a broader crisis of representation for youth in South Korea, which could have substantial implications for voter turnout and future election dynamics.
As this demographic contemplates their disillusionment and the prospective political landscape, calls for candidates to engage deeply with their concerns continue to grow louder, paving the way for an electoral shift moving forward.
However, disillusionment swiftly followed as this demographic assessed the candidates vying for their votes in the June 2025 elections. "My one thought on this election is disgust," stated 20-year-old An Ye-young, a student who first joined protests against Yoon. This sentiment illustrates a broader dissatisfaction felt by her peers regarding the relevance of candidates to their pressing concerns.
Key issues such as high youth unemployment, stable pension provisions, and gender equality remain insufficiently articulated in the political discourse, causing many young voters to feel neglected. Currently, youth unemployment in South Korea has soared to 6.8%—the highest it has been in four years.
Young voters like An are yearning for a political discourse that resonates with their realities, rather than just a selection of candidates they feel disconnected from. The sentiment echoes a broader crisis of representation for youth in South Korea, which could have substantial implications for voter turnout and future election dynamics.
As this demographic contemplates their disillusionment and the prospective political landscape, calls for candidates to engage deeply with their concerns continue to grow louder, paving the way for an electoral shift moving forward.
