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Absent female candidates in South Korea's presidential election, lack of gender-related policies in political agendas

In this presidential race, the focus on gender and women's policies has taken a backseat, with candidates adopting a muted or hostile stance on matters that once defined their campaign agendas.

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Campaign platforms addressing gender and women's policies have seen a significant sideline during...
Campaign platforms addressing gender and women's policies have seen a significant sideline during the current presidential election. Candidates have adopted a muted or even hostile stance towards these issues that were previously at the forefront of campaign agendas.

In the run-up to South Korea's 21st presidential election, campaign posters adorn the streets of Mapo District, western Seoul. This election marks a significant departure, as no women are on the ballot, a fact demonstrated in photos from the 17th presidential election in Busan in 2007 which show diverse candidates, including women.

Protesters have taken to Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, demanding the resignation of President Yoon Suk Yeol, in light of the absence of female contenders. Four candidates will compete in the impending election: Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party, Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party, Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party, and Kwon Young-gook of the Democratic Labor Party.

Women's groups in Jeju have called for the reinforcement of national gender equality institutions, including the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, ahead of the election. The absence of female candidates may contribute to the election's lack of emphasis on gender equality policies.

During the second televised debate, tension remains high due to ongoing political polarization. A controversial proposal to transition Dongduk Women's University to coeducation, which sparked protests among students, further exacerbates divisions.

Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok met with students at Inha University, engaging in conversation and sharing a meal, underscoring his commitment to engaging with the public. However, a contentious issue persists: political parties' tendency to sideline gender equality matters.

In 2018, a Green Party mayoral candidate's campaign poster was destroyed, with the party claiming the act was a direct attack on the candidate's feminist platform, illustrating the challenges candidates face when addressing gender issues.

In South Korea, gender equality continues to be a contested and undervalued issue. Despite the heightened gender divide among young voters and the country's standing as the OECD member with the highest gender pay gap, political parties seem cautious when addressing gender policies. This reticence may perpetuate systemic gender inequalities, undermining democratic inclusivity.

  1. Women's groups in Jeju have urged the reinforcement of South Korea's national gender equality institutions, such as the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, due to the absence of female candidates in the presidential election.
  2. The ongoing political polarization during debates, as seen in the second televised debate, has further complicated matters, with parties sometimes appearing to sideline gender equality matters.
  3. In the past, candidates addressing gender issues have faced challenges, as evidenced by the destruction of a Green Party mayoral candidate's campaign poster in 2018, which the party claimed was a direct attack on their feminist platform.
  4. The general news landscape in South Korea, including policy-and-legislation, business, arts, and society, continues to grapple with the under-emphasis on gender equality issues, potentially perpetuating systemic inequalities and undermining democratic inclusivity.

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