On December 3rd, 2022, a shocking announcement declared that then-South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol imposed martial law, igniting immediate protests across the nation. Young women, in particular, rallied against his anti-feminist rhetoric and policies, which dismissed the pervasive gender discrimination in South Korea. Notably, a wave of protests led to Yoon’s impeachment, a moment celebrated by many, including 24-year-old Byunghui who travelled from Daegu to Seoul to join the demonstrations.
Despite their significant role in bringing about political change, young women now feel their voices have faded into the background as the country gears up for a presidential election on June 3rd. The leading candidates have largely shied away from addressing equality for women, a contentious topic that previously aided Yoon's rise to power by resonating with his supporters.
"You feel an emptiness where you once found hope," said Byunghui, voicing a sentiment echoed by many young women who believe their contributions to the anti-Yoon movement have gone unacknowledged. With the political landscape shifting, many perceive the looming election as an uphill battle against both institutional neglect and the growing backlash against gender equality initiatives.
The protests saw women gathering in large numbers, filled with determination and united by a shared goal—an end to Yoon’s presidency. Songs like "Into the World," once an anthem in other anti-corruption movements, became rallying cries for women demanding change in a country with one of the highest gender pay gaps in the world.
As political tensions simmer, the dearth of women among the candidates—none are running this election—raises new concerns about the representation and policy focus on gender issues. Candidates have faced criticism for failing to address structural barriers that inhibit women's rights and perpetuate societal inequities.
"It’s frustrating to see candidates backtrack from advocacy for women's rights now that they are in the spotlight," lamented Kim Saeyeon, a participant in the protests. In a race dominated by candidates who focus less on women's issues, questions about the future of gender equality in a patriarchal society loom larger than ever.
With the rise of anti-feminist sentiments and counter-protests during Yoon's tenure, the current political climate has fueled fears among young women that their voices might be lost in the shuffle. As backlash against feminism grows and the narrative shifts towards ‘reverse discrimination,’ it undermines the progress they fought to achieve.
“We are not going to give up,” asserts Byunghui, likening the political struggle to visible dust that cannot simply be ignored. “We must keep speaking out.” For many young women, the fight is far from over; it is a continuous battle for recognition, equality, and the hope that the world will change for the better.
