Women played a crucial role in the protests that led to South Korea's former president Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, but as the country gears up for a new election, many of these young women now feel neglected and overlooked in the political landscape. An Byunghui, a 24-year-old college student, recalls the shock of learning about Yoon's martial law declaration and how it ignited mass protests, primarily led by women. These protests saw women of all ages come together, singing songs like "Into the World" by popular K-pop group Girls' Generation, which echoed their aspirations for a more equal society.
However, with the election on June 3 now approaching, concerns have arisen as the main candidates largely ignore women’s rights, a stark contrast to their recent activism. Yoon's government was characterized by a rise in anti-feminist sentiment, with a significant portion of young men perceiving gender equality initiatives as favoritism. This led to a polarized environment where protests against Yoon saw an overwhelming female presence, while pro-Yoon and anti-feminist groups remained vocal in opposition.
This absence of women candidates in the race— the first time in 18 years— has left many female activists like Lee Jinha and Kim Saeyeon feeling disillusioned by the political climate. The leading candidate, Lee Jae-myung, has faced criticism for failing to prioritize women-centric policies despite acknowledging structural discrimination.
The current political environment reflects an unsettling trend of diminishing support for women’s rights, prompting fears among young women that their voices are being erased from the national dialogue. As their previous victory against Yoon fades from memory, these women continue to rally for recognition, pledging to keep fighting for equality and influence in an increasingly hostile landscape.
