Civil groups held a rally in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on Dec. 1, 2019, arguing that young citizens who are 18 years of age should be able to vote in next year’s general elections. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Korea Bizwire) — As the age of eligibility for joining political parties is being reduced to the age of 16, schools are showing both excitement and concern.
A new bill was passed at the National Assembly on Tuesday, effectively reducing the age of eligibility for joining political parties from the age of 18 to 16.
Now, high school freshmen will be eligible to join political parties.
The welcoming sentiment celebrated the expansion of political participation and a heightened sense of political awareness.
“It will allow politics to reflect the voices of students,” said Kang Bo-yeong, who is entering high school this year.
Others, however, have raised concerns about political incitement.
“I only wish students wouldn’t fight amongst each other over differences in their political orientation,” said a 44-year-old mother surnamed Jeon whose daughter currently attends high school.
There were colliding opinions among school staff and parent organizations as well.
“Students who have joined political parties may engage in activities to promote their political parties, which may turn classrooms into a political arena, infringing upon their rights to education,” said the Korea Federation of Teachers’ Associations.
In contrast, the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union believed that “joining political parties allows teenagers to participate in the earlier stages of policymaking, which allows their voices to be reflected in politics.”
“The process in which teenagers can exercise their rights will help their growth and bolster their identity as democratic citizens.”
H. M. Kang (hmkang@koreabizwire.com)
