Awkward Transformation

Ha Heebong

When people chats in campus, the mainly occupied topic might be related with entertainment gossips. The 20s, sons and daughters of 1987’s democratization, are not seriously interested in politics. Politics merely occupies their attention. Instead, students regard politics as boredom, gossip or trivial matters; 20s ‘gossipizes’ political issues as they do in entertainment. Only Former President Roh Moo-hyun’s death was accepted seriously. The middle aged ‘386 generation,’ who wanted to be and indeed were the messiah of democracy, has blamed the ‘thoughtless 20s.

The 386 generation argues that their progressive movement established democracy in Korea. It is partly right. Massive student protests in 1980s towed democracy into this nation. This young ‘protestants’ became scattered individuals after democratization. Democracy did not come by itself; it came along with limitless bloody capitalism. Therefore, young generations have watched awkward transformation: the ideals of student protests fermented into extreme capitalistic world. The 386 generation take part in progressive candle light demonstration while they call their offsprings to check on their private tuition, known as one of the biggest systematic problem in education.

An imbalance between ideals of policy makers and distorted reality made wide distrust of high school students in the liberal era. The majority of 20s experienced education system made by ‘97 regime,’ the period of two liberal presidency. The system showed a model of fermented ideals. Policy makers were clumsy and distrustful. Conservative politicians and newspapers named the pitiful students ‘Lee Hae-chan Generation,’ which symbolizes inconsistent admission system; administrators spoke no exam, but universities still judged students by Suneung, College Scholastic Ability Test. Students firmed sarcastic attitude on governments and politicians.

Even though the liberal governments disappointed 20s, it is still not sufficient to explain these silent students. The second major reason of speechless students is based on the highly competitive job market. Reformation of industry caused by 1997 financial crisis has gradually erased many jobs in Korea. In 2007, the number of graduates was 580,000 when our industry had only 280,000 jobs available knew exactly. Students kneww exactly what they should do; stepping on their classmates for their successful employment.

Therefore, busy students have no time to discuss ‘headaching’ politics. They only consume politics in yellow internet newspaper or internet portal webpage as entertainment. The problem is the news vendors only carry a slice of information or sensational titles. The asymmetry of information might have caused muting student’s demands to society. In 2007 President Election, voting rate of 20s was 45 percent while 50s and 60s voted over 75 percent. Young generations make another awkward transformation: their disappointment and dissatisfaction on society into ineffective sneers.

20s have shown big possibilities of politicization. They created candle light demonstrations which made Roh Moo-hyun the world’s first internet president. It is true that students should pay attention to actions that needed promptness. Students, however, are also required to have thoughtful ideas and firm agendas to build up political power before they jump into action. In terms of effectiveness, the older generations have influenced the real world more effectively than the progressive young. Let’s be wise. It is time for 20s to crack the name tag: “political rookies.”