Women in South Korea’s Elections: From Power Players to Invisible Voices Again?

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On December 3, while immersed in a video game, a young woman named Byunghui got shocking news: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol had declared martial law. It felt unbelievable until social media exploded with images of soldiers storming the National Assembly. That night, protests erupted across the country, fueled especially by young women determined to challenge a system they felt sidelined them.

Byunghui traveled from Daegu to Seoul to join the protests. It wasn’t just the martial law announcement that stirred anger; it was Yoon’s dismissal of sexism in a society plagued by discrimination and violence against women. These young women came together week after week, demanding justice. When Yoon was impeached after four months, they celebrated. But as the country prepared for a new presidential election on June 3, many felt their voices were being lost again.

The main candidates haven’t prioritized women’s issues, even though young male voters have found a voice in anti-feminist rhetoric. Yoon had gained support by portraying himself as a defender of men who felt marginalized by feminism. This election, a third candidate, appealing to this crowd, has emerged, stirring concerns among the very women who fought against Yoon’s regime.

While attending protests, Byunghui was inspired by the sheer number of women uniting, many singing songs from popular K-pop groups. One song, “Into the World,” became an anthem, reminding protesters of their dreams for change. Research suggests about one-third of those at these protests were young women in their 20s or 30s, highlighting their vital role in the movement.

Despite their efforts, frustration remains. Women feel overlooked, particularly as the two leading candidates veer away from addressing gender equality. Political strategies have pushed young women to the sidelines, making them question if real progress has been made.

Popular opinion on these issues has shifted. A local newspaper found that 79% of young men in their 20s felt discriminated against, showcasing how gender perceptions have polarized society. Some men argue they are victims of “reverse discrimination,” especially due to mandatory military service.

Critics argue that under Yoon, there was a rollback on women’s rights. With fewer female candidates in this election compared to previous years, women are questioning the direction of political discourse in South Korea.

Kim Eun-ju, head of the Center for Korean Women and Politics, highlights serious regressions in policy focused on women’s rights, stating how the ruling party has capitalized on anti-feminist sentiments among young men. All this has contributed to an increasingly hostile environment for young women advocating for equality.

One candidate, Kwon Young-gook, does address equality but struggles to gain traction. After years of seeing little effort from political leaders, many women feel disillusioned. They worry that the absence of serious discussion about gender inequality means their concerns are being ignored.

Byunghui, Jinha, and others vow to remain vocal. They view this political moment as a learning experience—and feel empowered despite the setbacks. They believe their voices matter and that they can influence change in a society that has long put their issues on the back burner.

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