Low voter turnout among young people in South Korea is a concern, with only 57.9% of voters in their 20s and 30s participating in the last general election in 2020. This is significantly lower than the 79.3% turnout among voters in their 60s and 70s. A recent Gallup Korea poll showed that slightly over 50% of voters between 18 and 29 said they planned to vote in the upcoming election, pointing to a potential lack of engagement among young voters.
Experts attribute the low voter turnout among young people to growing dissatisfaction, with issues such as intense competition in education, limited job opportunities, and high housing costs contributing to their struggles. Shockingly, suicide is the leading cause of death for Koreans aged between 10 and 39, highlighting the seriousness of the challenges facing the younger generation. There is a notable generational conflict as older members of society fail to understand the precarious situation faced by the youth, further exacerbating the disconnect between the generations.
The aging population in South Korea is a significant factor in the decreased interest of young people in politics. As the influence of older voters continues to grow, there is a risk that policies may cater more towards the interests of the elderly, potentially neglecting the needs and concerns of younger voters. Linda Hasunuma, a political scientist at Temple University, warns that the existing system may hinder substantive change and lead to policies that favor the older population over the younger demographic, creating further disillusionment among young voters.
The disparity in voter turnout between different age groups highlights the challenge in engaging younger voters in the political process in South Korea. With the prevailing sentiment that substantive change is unlikely within the current system, there is a risk of alienating young voters further. The lack of understanding of the struggles and concerns of the youth by the older establishment class continues to fuel generational conflict, undermining efforts to bridge the gap between different age groups and promote greater political participation among all segments of society.
Efforts to address the issues facing the younger generation, such as improving job opportunities, reducing housing costs, and enhancing mental health support, are essential to rebuilding trust in the political system and engaging young voters. Creating a platform for meaningful dialogue between different age groups and addressing the root causes of generational conflict can help foster a more inclusive and responsive political environment in South Korea. By addressing the unique challenges faced by young people and ensuring that their interests are represented in policy-making, it is possible to increase voter turnout among the youth and build a more inclusive and representative political system.
