South Korea Elections: Anti-Feminist Backlash Impact
- South Korea is grappling with increasing political polarization, fueled by a growing gender divide and contentious social issues.
- Yoon's stance on gender issues, including his pledge to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality & Family and his downplaying of gender discrimination, resonated with some young men...
- Yoon's presidency stigmatized feminists and targeted other groups.
south Korea’s political landscape is fracturing, as a potent anti-feminist backlash reshapes the nation’s electoral dynamics—a key takeaway from the latest election. Yoon Suk Yeol’s policies ignited protests, notably among young voters, highlighting the influence of the gender divide and impact on LGBTQ+ rights. Civil society groups are forging new alliances, but the path forward remains uncertain. News Directory 3 examines how this polarization also reflects global trends. Discover what’s next for South Korea’s democracy amidst this shifting social and political terrain.
South Korea’s Gender Divide Fuels Political Polarization
Updated June 03, 2025
South Korea is grappling with increasing political polarization, fueled by a growing gender divide and contentious social issues. The election of Mr.Yoon Suk Yeol as president exacerbated these tensions, particularly among young voters.
Mr. Yoon’s stance on gender issues, including his pledge to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality & Family and his downplaying of gender discrimination, resonated with some young men but alienated many young women. South Korea’s gender equality index has declined to its lowest point since 2010.
Jang Hye-yeong, a former lawmaker, contends that Mr. Yoon’s presidency stigmatized feminists and targeted other groups. She said restrictions on demonstrations for LGBTQ+ and disability rights, coupled with homophobic remarks from his allies, created a sense of “unending martial law.”
According to Ms. Jang, years of organizing against Mr. Yoon’s policies enabled civil society to mobilize swiftly when martial law was declared, resulting in unique protests. These demonstrations featured sign language interpreters, wheelchair ramps, and a mix of pride flags and labor union banners. Participants sang classic protest songs and popular Korean pop tracks.
Seok Minju,a doctor and frequent protest attendee,noted the inclusive nature of these gatherings. “Protests have often been seen as exclusive spaces… But this time, the square felt far more inclusive,” Ms. Seok said.
shin Jin-Wook, a professor of political sociology at Chung-Ang University, highlights the cooperation between newer social groups and customary labor organizations as a unique aspect of the pro-democracy rallies. “A new form of solidarity has emerged,” Shin said. “This has resulted in a greater depth… of protest discourse, though whether this has come at the cost of mass appeal and openness remains uncertain.”
kim Huju, a young farmer, participated in a protest at Namtaeryeong subway station, where police blocked demonstrators from reaching Seoul. Ms.Kim’s social media posts drew thousands to the site, leading to a 28-hour standoff and eventual breakthrough.
ms. Kim said,”Everyone looked encouraged and,at the same time,also desperate. We love to see solidarity continuing but can’t be sure how long it will last.”
In the upcoming election,many young women are expected to support Lee Jae-myung,the leading opposition candidate. while Mr. Lee previously addressed gender discrimination, his party has since appeared hesitant to acknowledge gender inequality.
A recent poll indicated that 52% of women ages 18 to 29 favor Mr. Lee, compared to only 21% of men in the same age group. A notable portion of young men support Lee Jun-seok, known for his misogynistic statements and promise to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality & Family.
This growing gender divide among young voters, also seen globally, poses a challenge for building consensus on social issues and strengthening democracy. The rise of authoritarianism appears to be coinciding with this trend, with men leaning further right and women voting more progressive.
Despite these challenges, Ms. Kim remains hopeful, citing the solidarity displayed at namtaeryeong and other protests as evidence that women and minority groups can shape the country’s democracy from outside the system.