Jung Jun-seong's Yeomindongnak (352) Angry '20s and 30s'

Public enthusiasm demanding the right to political participation is running high.

At the center of this movement are the 20s and 30s generation. Why did they take to the streets?

And why do they reject political slogans while raising only the 'value' of safeguarding voting rights, engaging in collective action?

There is no doubt that this is an expression of anger over voting rights—a fundamental right of citizens—being violated and the foundation of democracy being shaken.

Moreover, there is heightened social interest in the 'identity' of the 20s and 30s generation that has led them to this point, particularly their political orientation as they become increasingly 'conservative.'

Experts point to economic deprivation, polarized meritocracy, and gender conflict as causes.

Additionally, they analyze that disappointment with the incumbent progressive camp has also fueled this conservatism.

In fact, this generation are the ones who underwent extreme entrance exam competition where school evaluations and college entrance exam scores determined their lives.

Even after breaking through the 'narrow gate' to enter university, they must endure the employment war.

Even those fortunate enough to find jobs struggle to accumulate assets.

They have become a generation where everything is FOMO (fear of missing out) within a polarizing social structure.

However, ironically, the generation that educated them is the strongly progressive-leaning '40s and 50s' generation.

It is not easy for the 20s and 30s generation—confronted with issues of elitism rather than left-right ideology—to empathize with these progressive older generations.

On the other hand, on specific issues related to North Korea and China, they show a tendency toward 'generational conservatism,' sharing similar perceptions with the '60s and 70s' generation.

This reality was clearly revealed in the June 3 local elections, particularly in the Seoul mayoral race.

It also appears clearly in generational perception surveys.

According to one survey, the 20s generation perceives generational conflict (65%) as a much more serious issue than regional conflict (50%).

Underlying this is the sentiment that the current youth generation may have to shoulder the future burden entirely due to shaky national finances.

Looking at voters in the June 3 local elections by generation, the 40s and 50s account for 36.24%, the largest proportion.

The 60s and 70s account for 34.12%, and the 20s and 30s for 29.65%.

As the youngest voters, they are now expressing anger and taking up the cause of 'protecting voting rights.'

Rather than indifference and cynicism, 'older generations'' reflection and encouragement seem urgently needed.