South Korea election: Lee Jae-myung takes over a country split by gender politics

South Korea’s snap presidential election saw Liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung emerging victorious with a significant lead. Lee garnered close to 50% of the vote, surpassing conservative opponent Kim Moon-soo who received 41%. Lee inherits a nation sharply divided along gender lines.

The election followed the chaos caused by the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who declared martial law in December 2024. Lee’s campaign effectively tapped into voter frustration, aiming to reset South Korea’s political landscape. Despite efforts to downplay gender as a campaign focal point, the longstanding conflict continues to influence voter behavior and national discourse.

Yoon’s narrow victory over Lee in the previous election highlighted the utilization of gender divisions in politics. The former president’s strategy targeted young Korean men, portraying them as victims of discrimination. In contrast, the latest election lacked substantial policies addressing gender discrimination, despite widespread demands for democratic representation.

While Lee advocated for unity across genders, Lee Jun-seok of the Reform party mirrored Yoon’s provocative tactics to appeal to disaffected young men. The gender dynamics in South Korean politics persist, with women actively defending their rights and democracy amid perceptions of policies favoring men.

The gender divide underscores broader societal challenges, such as stagnant wages and limited opportunities, impacting all young Koreans. Structural inequalities, rather than gender, fuel the frustrations of young men seeking scapegoats. Efforts to address these disparities, including increasing female representation in politics, are crucial for promoting equality and inclusion in South Korea.

Lee Jae-myung’s victory offers a moment of respite for South Korea, yet it underscores the deep-seated fault lines within the society. Acknowledging and addressing gender dynamics in politics is essential to prevent opportunistic forces from exploiting societal divisions. The political landscape in South Korea serves as a microcosm of global trends, highlighting the significance of gender in shaping political discourse and decision-making.