Women’s Voices Underrepresented as South Korea Prepares for Election

As South Korea approaches its June 3 presidential election, young women, once at the forefront of the impeachment rallies against former president Yoon Suk Yeol, express disappointment over the lack of focus on their priorities by the male candidates vying to succeed him.

Young women in South Korea have historically been marginalized politically, often seen as apolitical despite their crucial role in mobilizing protests against the previous administration. Their activism peaking during the impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol, who had imposed martial law in December, revealed their determination to challenge gender discrimination.

With looming elections, many women fear their issues—including reduced pay, underrepresentation in governance, and rampant online abuse—are sidelined once again. As candidates campaign, they tread carefully around feminist topics, aware that many young men feel they are victims of reverse discrimination amid economic struggles. This sentiment played a critical role in Yoon’s election in 2022, where he dismissed structural discrimination against women.

Looking ahead to the upcoming election, Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost to Yoon, currently leads in the polls, yet he and his Democratic Party are cautious in addressing feminist issues that could alienate male voters. The political landscape remains complex as the voices of young women continue to grapple for a place in the conversation around South Korea's leadership and policies.