South Korean youth divided by political crisis

(CLO) Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, facing the risk of arrest, has become the focus of division among South Korean youth.

In Seoul, a scene of conflict unfolded as thousands of young people took to the streets in protest, divided into two distinct camps over the political crisis rocking South Korea.

The anti-President Yoon faction included young liberals like Shin Ji-young, a 29-year-old businesswoman, who held flags and chanted slogans demanding the President's arrest.

She said gender differences have become more apparent during the crisis. “Women are more sensitive to social issues and discrimination, while many young men are in denial,” Shin said. They include K-pop fans, gamers and feminist groups, along with quirky flags that read “introvert.”

"I think the reason many of them joined the impeachment protests is because they want to create a better society," said 21-year-old student Song Min-ji.

Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol hold South Korean and U.S. flags during a rally near the presidential palace in Seoul, South Korea, on January 2, 2025. Banners read "Oppose impeachment" in Korean. (Photo copyrighted by AP, not republished)

In contrast, conservative youth supporters of Mr. Yoon, including far-right groups such as “Baekgoldan” (White Skull Squad), are using nationalist language to defend their views.

The name refers to a unit that suppressed pro-democracy protesters in the 1980s and 1990s, including some fatal beatings. They even called for martial law, raising fears of violence.

During his 2022 campaign, Mr. Yoon denied discrimination against women and promised to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality, a move that helped him win 58% of the vote among men in their 20s, but alienated young women and liberal groups.

Experts say Mr. Yoon has exploited economic instability and male discontent to push a conservative agenda, while ignoring the needs of women and other vulnerable groups.

Kwon Soo-hyun, a sociology professor at Gyeongsang National University, said the Yoon administration has used women and migrants as "scapegoats" for social problems.

Amid a prolonged political crisis, the divide among South Korea's young generation reflects not only political issues but also deep social rifts.

Ngoc Anh (according to AFP, Yonhap)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/gioi-tre-han-quoc-chia-re-vi-khung-hoang-chinh-tri-post330196.html