TL;DR:

- The Democratic Party, the ruling party during the April 7, 2021 by-elections, lost mayoral races in Seoul and Busan, key battlegrounds. This was attributed to young voters, who had…
- ▶In 2020, the Moon administration attempted to convert approximately 1,900 non-regular workers at Incheon International Airport to regular positions, citing the rationale of “not…
- ▶Such issues predominantly emerge during Democratic Party governance. Policies are often framed as fair under ideological banners, but they frequently prove the opposite.

The Democratic Party, the ruling party during the April 7, 2021 by-elections, lost mayoral races in Seoul and Busan, key battlegrounds. This was attributed to young voters, who had previously supported the party, turning their backs due to the Cho Kuk issue and housing policies. Concerns grew over the opposition party led by a 30-year-old leader. The card they played was appointing a 25-year-old Cheong Wa Dae 1st-grade youth secretary. Moon Jae-in’s Cheong Wa Dae stated, “We expect better understanding and communication regarding youth difficulties.” However, the youth reaction was unexpected. They criticized the high-ranking appointment of someone their age as a “parachute drop,” asking, “What has this person done besides Democratic Party activities?”

▶In 2020, the Moon administration attempted to convert approximately 1,900 non-regular workers at Incheon International Airport to regular positions, citing the rationale of “not discriminating against non-regular workers.” While it was assumed the struggling youth would applaud, the opposite occurred. They questioned, “If becoming a regular worker is this easy, what about those who sacrificed sleep and effort to secure regular positions?” Their perspective on “fairness” differed. Similar criticism arose when the government formed a unified North-South women’s ice hockey team for the PyeongChang Olympics, with claims that “young athletes’ once-in-a-lifetime Olympic opportunity was sacrificed for political purposes.”

▶Such issues predominantly emerge during Democratic Party governance. Policies are often framed as fair under ideological banners, but they frequently prove the opposite. The generation most outraged when the president sold their home using a mortgage was reportedly the youth. They asked, “Why does the president use debt while restricting citizens’ loans?” Proposals like “abandoned bus youth housing” and “gosiwon bathtubs” became objects of mockery rather than criticism. If the government lacks the ability to solve problems, they say, “At least don’t flip the script.” Behind this backlash lies a deep sense of helplessness among youth regarding reality.

▶Controversy surrounds the nomination of Basic Income Party lawmaker Yong Hye-in, born in 1990, as Minister of Gender Equality and Family. While appointing youth, women, and working mothers was expected to draw applause, this time it did not. The question again is, “Is this fair?” Criticism includes accusations of “free-riding” for joining a satellite party, becoming a lawmaker twice, and now aiming for a ministerial post, as well as “imperial double-jobbing” for allegedly maintaining a parliamentary seat to secure party subsidies. Her husband reportedly holds a high-ranking position in the same party. Elements that youth “extremely hate” are surfacing.

▶The Democratic Party claims to prioritize youth and women, advocating for the socially vulnerable. However, solutions are often misguided. Youth and women rebel when privileges are given simply for being young or female, such as appointing them as ministers or lawmakers. They merely desire policies from representatives who can empathize with them. Yet, this basic fact seems perpetually forgotten.

Source: [https://www.chosun.com/english/opinion-en/2026/09/01/5ZT43UVKYFB2DILRANS6THNAAA/](https://www.chosun.com/english/opinion-en/2026/09/01/5ZT43UVKYFB2DILRANS6THNAAA/)

Again Meddled With 'Youth Fairness'