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, Dec. 2 (Korea Bizwire) — A number of South Korean teenagers directly called on the National Assembly to pass fast-track bills on electoral reform so that they can participate in next year’s general elections.
The Candlelight Coalition for the Enactment of Human Rights Law for Youth, comprised of 370 civil groups, held a rally in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on Sunday arguing that young citizens who are 18 years of age should be able to vote in next year’s general elections.
A declaration signed by 1,234 teenagers demanding their right to vote was made public at the rally that day. “Politicians don’t listen to teenagers because they don’t have the right to vote,” said the teenagers in the declaration.
“Not on a single occasion were the bills to protect the rights of the students proposed in the 20th National Assembly. New programs and policies for youth were barely made,” they said.
“We participate in this declaration so that 640,000 of us 18-year old South Korean citizens can get back the rights we deserve.” “Not a single day should be lost to ensure the right to vote for more people.”
Young protesters showed up at the rally with creative slogans and pickets inspired by popular games and net culture.
H. M. Kang (hmkang@koreabizwire.com)
