In South Korea, the recent political landscape has shifted dramatically following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Women played a crucial role in the protests that led to his removal, but now many feel overlooked as the country prepares for a new presidential election on June 3.
The protests erupted in December when Yoon declared martial law, shocking many citizens. Young women, in particular, were alarmed not just by the martial law itself but also by Yoon’s dismissive attitude towards gender equality. Thousands gathered in Seoul, many traveling from other cities to voice their dissatisfaction. They protested against a president who claimed South Korea was free from sexism while evidence of discrimination was all around them.
After months of protests, Yoon was impeached, and many women celebrated this victory. However, as the new election approaches, they are expressing feelings of invisibility. The two main candidates have largely ignored women’s issues, which many view as a regression. Yoon’s presidency had previously polarized gender discussions, with his supporters claiming they were victims of reverse discrimination. This sentiment has continued to grow, especially among young men, as they feel sidelined by policies that favor women.
The frustration among young women is palpable. Many who participated in the anti-Yoon rallies now feel their voices are being erased from the political conversation. A 24-year-old college student, Byunghui, articulated this sentiment, saying, “I wonder if anything has really improved… I can’t shake the feeling that they’re trying to erase women’s voices.”
The atmosphere during the protests was electric, with women singing K-pop anthems and holding banners demanding change. Research indicates that a significant portion of the protesters were women in their 20s and 30s. They were driven by a desire for equality and an end to pervasive discrimination in a country where the gender pay gap is the widest among developed nations.
As the election nears, candidates seem hesitant to engage with women’s issues. The leading candidates have been criticized for their lack of policies targeting gender inequality. Lee Jae-myung, the frontrunner from the Democratic Party, has faced disappointment from young women who feel he has not prioritized their concerns. His comments suggesting that gender issues should not divide the population have not resonated well with those advocating for equality.
Meanwhile, Kim Moon-soo from the ruling People Power Party has focused on family support and increasing birth rates without addressing the deeper societal issues that affect women. Many women argue that financial support alone won’t solve the challenges they face, such as balancing careers and family life.
The absence of women among the presidential candidates this election is notable and troubling for many activists. In the last election, there were two female candidates, but this time, the field is entirely male. This lack of representation has left many women feeling disappointed and unheard.
As the election approaches, there is a growing concern about the rise of anti-feminist rhetoric in South Korea. Lee Jun-seok, a candidate with a history of controversial statements, has gained popularity among young men by voicing anti-feminist views. This shift has alarmed many women, who worry about the potential for increased hostility towards gender equality.
Despite these challenges, the women who protested against Yoon remain hopeful. They believe their voices matter and are determined to continue advocating for change. As Jinha, another protester, noted, the political landscape may have changed, but the fight for equality is far from over. They are committed to ensuring that their concerns are heard and that the progress made during the protests is not lost in the upcoming election.