South Korea's About to Flip Is This the End for Yoon Suk Yeol?

South Korea's Political Crossroads: Young Voters Weigh Disenchantment and the Future

South Korea finds itself at a pivotal moment, with early exit polls suggesting a significant shift in the political landscape. But beneath the surface of these headline figures lies a complex narrative of disillusionment, particularly among the nation's young voters. Their voices, amplified by recent protests and a growing awareness of societal challenges, are shaping the trajectory of this election.

The seeds of this political unrest were sown in December when then President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief imposition of martial law sparked widespread demonstrations. For many young South Koreans, it was their first foray into political activism. Fueled by a desire for change, they took to the streets, their protests echoing with K-pop anthems and illuminated by custom-made flags. This activism culminated in President Yoon's impeachment and removal from office. While this felt like a victory, it was short-lived.

As Election Day approached, a sense of disenchantment settled over some of these very same young protesters. As An Ye-young, a 20-year-old college student, poignantly put it: "My one thought on this election is disgust. It’s a feast with nothing to eat."

What's fueling this sentiment? Several key issues are at the forefront of young South Koreans' minds:

• Youth Unemployment: The unemployment rate among 15- to 29-year-olds hit a four-year high of 6.8 percent in the first quarter of this year.
• Pension Reform: Concerns are mounting that South Korea's national pension fund, valued at over $800 billion, could be depleted due to a low birthrate and an aging population.
• Gender Inequality: South Korea continues to grapple with high rates of gender-based discrimination and rampant online sexual abuse, issues many feel are not adequately addressed by current legislation.

These concerns have left many feeling unrepresented by the mainstream candidates.

Despite their disillusionment, young South Koreans are not staying home. Many have resolved to vote against the People Power Party, seeking to prevent its return to power after the events of December. The memory of attempts to block President Yoon's impeachment and shield him from accountability remains fresh in their minds.

Kim Yoon-ji, 24, highlighted the need for policies that protect women, citing data showing that women are disproportionately victims of violent crimes. While centrist front-runner Lee Jae-myung has often hesitated to directly address women's issues (likely due to potential backlash from young men who view such policies as discriminatory), Kim sees a vote for Lee as a strategic move against the People Power Party: "The party that caused the martial law situation can’t regain power again," she asserted.

The desire for an alternative has also led some young voters to consider third-party candidates. Goh Hee-sung, 24, voted for Lee Jun-seok of the conservative Reform Party, hoping the youngest candidate on the ballot at 40 could bring much-needed change. "The root of the problem is the deeply entrenched two-party politics," Goh explained.

Lee Suyoon, 21, who previously voted for Lee Jae-myung and participated in the anti-Yoon protests, echoed the sentiment of disillusionment, stating, "After seeing the candidates’ campaign promises and the presidential debate, there is no candidate who perfectly satisfies what I want in a president."

This election underscores a critical juncture in South Korean politics. While exit polls may point to a likely winner, the underlying narrative of young voters grappling with disillusionment and seeking meaningful change cannot be ignored. Their engagement, however fractured, signals a demand for a more responsive and inclusive political system. The future of South Korea hinges on how these voices are heard and addressed in the years to come.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/06/03/world/south-korea-presidential-election