South Korean youth are divided over the political crisis.

(CLO) Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, who faces the risk of arrest, has become a focal point of division among South Korean youth.

In Seoul, a stark contrast unfolded as thousands of young people took to the streets to protest, divided into two distinct factions surrounding the political crisis rocking South Korea.

Opponents of President Yoon include liberal young people like Shin Ji-young, a 29-year-old businesswoman, who carried flags and chanted slogans demanding the President's arrest.

She believes that gender differences have become more apparent during this crisis. "Women are more sensitive to social issues and discrimination, while many young men deny this," Shin shared. These include K-pop fans, gamers, and feminist groups, along with quirky flags bearing the words "introvert."

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

Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol held South Korean and American flags while protesting near the Presidential Palace in Seoul, South Korea, on January 2, 2025. Korean-language banners read "Oppose Impeachment." (Photo copyrighted by AP, not for re-publication)

Conversely, conservative youth who support Yoon, including far-right groups like "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 several cases of deadly beatings. These individuals even called for martial law, raising concerns about the risk of violence.

During his 2022 election campaign, Yoon denied the existence of discrimination against women and promised to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality. This action helped him win 58% of the vote from men in their 20s, but alienated young women and liberal groups.

Experts believe that Yoon is exploiting economic instability and male discontent to advance his conservative agenda, while ignoring the needs of women and other marginalized groups.

Kwon Soo-hyun, a sociology professor at Gyeongsang National University, argues that President Yoon's administration used women and migrants as "scapegoats" for social issues.

Amidst a protracted political crisis, the divide among South Korean youth reflects not only political issues but also deep-seated 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