In brief
A wave of disillusionment sweeps through South Korean youth as they engage in the presidential elections amidst high unemployment rates and unaddressed social issues.
Following President Yoon Suk Yeol's controversial martial law declaration and his subsequent impeachment, young South Koreans are increasingly dissatisfied with the available candidates in the recent election. Many who previously protested against Mr. Yoon now feel a sense of disappointment at the ballot box. Twenty-year-old An Ye-young, who actively participated in December's protests, voiced her frustration, expressing that the election felt like a "feast with nothing to eat." This sentiment reflects a growing concern among the youth regarding vital issues like high unemployment, pension reform, and discrimination against women, which they believe are being ignored by the candidates.As of the first quarter of this year, youth unemployment rates soared to 6.8 percent—the highest in four years—compounding the anxiety about the future. Despite their activism and efforts for change, many young South Koreans are left feeling disillusioned and without viable options in the political landscape.
