Transformation from indifferent to highly involved… Gender differences in support and opposition to impeachment are clear

Expert: “Participation in presidential elections will increase”… Pension, gender, etc. may become hot topics

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Jang Bo-in = There is analysis that after four months of martial law and impeachment, people in their 20s have emerged as a new political force.

Most college students and young workers in their 20s are traditionally considered politically indifferent. In the 22nd general election last year, the voter turnout among those in their 20s (52.4%) was the lowest among all age groups.

However, the rally in front of the National Assembly late last year calling for the impeachment of the president was led by women in their 20s holding colorful cheering sticks.

A new culture of gatherings reminiscent of concerts was formed, with these people taking to the square and singing idol songs.

In fact, looking at the integrated results of monthly public opinion polls by Gallup Korea, the approval rate for impeachment among women aged 18 to 29 was 81% in January and 79% in February, the highest among all genders and age groups.

In March, it was also second at 72%, following women in their 30s (74%). This shows that women in their 20s are actively expressing political opinions, at least when it comes to impeachment.

On the other hand, in the same survey, men aged 18 to 29 showed results that were almost the opposite of those of women.

Their percentage of opposition to impeachment was 35% in January, the highest among men excluding those in their 60s (50%) and those in their 70s or older (55%), and far exceeded that of women of the same age (8%).

The percentage of people opposed to impeachment in February and March was 36% each, showing a strong tendency to support former President Yoon, along with men in their 30s (37% and 36%).

In fact, at the anti-impeachment rallies held so far, many young men were seen holding the Taegeukgi and the American flag.

The majority of the 90 people arrested immediately after the 'Western District Court Riot' were also men. Police revealed that 46 people, or 51% of the arrested people, were in their 20s and 30s.

There is analysis that the 20-somethings who raised their voices while experiencing martial law and impeachment will become a variable that cannot be ignored in the upcoming early presidential election.

Experts predict that issues that are directly related to the younger generation, such as pension reform, or issues such as impeachment and gender, where there is a sharp difference in opinion between men and women, may emerge as more important topics than before.

Political commentator Lee Jong-hoon said,"Young people's participation in this presidential election could be higher than in the past," and added,"We should avoid amplifying hatred between men and women in their 20s."