On December 3, An Byunghui was engrossed in a video game when breaking news flashed across her screen: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol had declared martial law. The shocking proclamation led to nationwide chaos, with soldiers storming the National Assembly as lawmakers battled to dismiss the alarming measure.
Young women, motivated by anger and fear over Yoon’s conduct, flooded the streets in protest, including Byunghui, who travelled from Daegu to Seoul to join demonstrations against perceived sexism in the guise of political rhetoric. After four turbulent months, the protests culminated in Yoon’s impeachment, a moment of triumph for these activists.
However, as the nation gears up for presidential elections on June 3, these same women now feel overlooked. The leading candidates largely ignore issues of women’s rights, while the third candidate, appealing to young men with anti-feminist sentiments, influences the dialogue.
Reflecting on their earlier activism, Byunghui and her peers expressed despair at the potential regression in women’s representation. “I used to believe in our power to instigate change,” said the 24-year-old student, “but now I feel our voices are being erased.” Protest participation surged, especially among those in their 20s who face persistent discrimination and a significant gender pay gap—in South Korea, this gap widens to 31%, the largest among affluent nations.
In the backdrop of chilly December nights, the women rallied, singing songs of hope and solidarity while confronting years of systemic gender inequality. Their commitment reflected a collective desire for acknowledgment and genuine progress, which feels increasingly elusive in the political landscape.
Source: www.bbc.com
