South Korean Women Express Discontent as Election Nears Amid Gender Inequality Concerns

Although often perceived by men as politically indifferent, young South Korean women were at the forefront of movements calling for the removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, accusing him of fostering disdain and hostility toward them. They were among the earliest protesters condemning Mr. Yoon’s brief enforcement of martial law in December, energizing large demonstrations with K-pop music and glowing sticks.

As South Korea approaches its June 3 presidential election, many women feel their concerns—centered on creating a safer and more equitable society—are being overlooked once again.

Women in South Korea face some of the most severe gender-based inequalities among developed nations, including wage disparities, limited representation in leadership roles and politics, and widespread online sexual harassment that existing laws have failed to adequately address. Yet tackling these issues remains politically sensitive.

With economic challenges and limited job prospects, many young men perceive themselves as victims of reverse discrimination and react negatively toward any government initiatives perceived as feminist. Former President Yoon and his conservative People Power Party capitalized on these sentiments to secure the young male vote and win the presidency in 2022, with Mr. Yoon asserting during his campaign that structural discrimination against women does not exist in South Korea.

Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost to Mr. Yoon in the previous election, now leads in the polls. However, despite acknowledging the significant role young women played in the former president’s downfall, Mr. Lee and his left-leaning Democratic Party are cautious to avoid alienating male voters with feminist messaging.