한뉴픽

One notable flow in recent politics is the growing political participation of young generation. In 2024 general election 20s voter turnout showed a higher rise than the previous general an election. This shows that younger generation’s concern and participation in politics are increasing. The younger generation that used to be called indifferent generation is now actively moving through various path to make their voice.
 
The younger generation’s political participation way is more different than exist generation. Instead of NEWS,TV they learn politic information through youtube,instagram,shortform contents. It is the way that consume short image and video rather than read long discussion and newspaper. This approach makes the barrier lower to entry about politics and they encounter politics naturally in their lives. Especially spread of politics meme and satirize contents is making it possible meaningful participation. In the process of sharing political issues with humors, young generation reduces their distrust and sense of distance from traditional political discource and make environment where they can make their own jujdgments. Digital space becomes a new political discussion place it makes people narrow the awareness gap among generations.
 

Political participation of young generation don’t stay simple at online comsumption. The increase of voter turnout in 2024 in general elections showed a different situation well. The consensus and opinion formed in online continue to actual polling place, developing into institutional political participation. Also SNS based on a campaign, youth group activities and community project expanded political interests into collective actions. Such a participation activate democratic discussion culture, form intergenerational empathy, and enforce, social solidarity. In order words participation method acted innovative power of korea democratic.

2030 generation goes beyond simple information consumption and empathy, actively raises social issues that they think importantly and exercising political influence. Issues raised in online go beyond simple discussion, influencing actual political argument and decision making process. Typically agendas led by 2030 generation such as fairness and diversity got established a social demand that politics can’t ignore. This has developed the demand that exists politics hard to ignore, Leading korea society a seek future-oriented value and problem solving. The political participation of young generation are changing the direction of korea politics beyond generation changes.
 

The political participation of young generation is no longer choice. It is an essential condition for sustainable development of korea society. Politics that tilted toward the voice of a particular generation can’t expect balanced development. Respecting the participation of young generation and embracing their agendas are not simply consideration, it is premise for healthy growth of korean democracy. Thus, politics enforced communication through digital platforms and must accept agendas raised by 2030 generation seriously. As their active participations increase, korean society can preemptively prepare for the flow of change and democracy can develop even more maturely.

Lee Sang Hyeok / Reporter