A Shifting Political Landscape: The Ascendancy of Youth

Across the globe, a new generation of leaders is stepping onto the political stage, challenging customary norms and injecting fresh perspectives into governance. From Sanna Marin’s tenure as Finland’s Prime Minister to Emmanuel Macron‘s rise to the French presidency, these young leaders are not merely figureheads; they represent a shift towards agility, innovative thinking, and a willingness to disrupt the status quo. Justin Trudeau in Canada also embodies this trend.

Though, this global trend begs the question: why is South Korea lagging behind? While the desire for political participation among the 20-30 age group is evident, the existing power structures frequently enough seem impenetrable. The absence of robust political education and a vibrant political culture may be stifling the growth of future leaders.

Europe’s Vanguard: Case Studies in Youthful Leadership

Europe, in particular, has become a breeding ground for young political talent. Consider these examples:

• Emmanuel Macron (France): At 39, Macron stormed into the Élysée Palace, earning the moniker Destroyer of Traditional Politics. His “En Marche!” movement,transcending traditional left-right divides,reshaped the French political landscape.
• Sebastian Kurz (Austria): Kurz, as a young leader of the conservative party, became Chancellor at 31, revitalizing his party’s image and garnering support across generations.
• Sanna Marin (Finland): As the world’s youngest female prime minister, Marin championed Finland’s welfare state amidst global challenges, leading a diverse and youthful cabinet.
• Kaja Kallas (Estonia): Leading Estonia, a digital democracy pioneer, Kallas exemplifies clear governance and agile policymaking through digitalization.
• Mette Frederiksen (Denmark): In her early 40s, Frederiksen has prioritized eco-kind policies and strengthened welfare programs in Denmark.

These leaders share a common thread: they are not just young faces; they possess policy depth, future vision, and a foundation built upon systematic political education and experiance.

The Korean Conundrum: Why Aren’t Young Leaders Emerging?

In stark contrast,South Korea’s political arena remains largely dominated by older generations. While young politicians exist, they often find themselves relegated to supporting roles, entangled in established power dynamics, or simply mimicking outdated political strategies. This raises a critical question: what systemic factors are hindering the growth of young leaders in South Korea?

One potential answer lies in the nation’s educational system and political culture. Unlike many European countries that prioritize political discussions from an early age, South Korea’s emphasis on rote learning and conformity may stifle critical thinking and discourage political engagement. Furthermore, a social atmosphere that discourages open political discourse can further impede the growth of future leaders.

The European Model: Cultivating Political Engagement from a Young Age

Many European nations have adopted educational approaches that foster political participation from an early age. In France, for example, political discussions are commonplace in high schools, with essay tests and debates serving as essential components of the curriculum. Youth councils and similar platforms provide young people with opportunities to engage in political processes and develop their leadership skills.

This early exposure to political discourse and participation creates a virtuous cycle, fostering a culture of civic engagement and nurturing the next generation of political leaders. As an example, Germany has a long tradition of youth parliaments at both the state and federal levels, providing young people with a platform to debate policy issues and propose legislation.

Early political education is a structure in which social assets are accumulated.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Change in South Korea

as South Korea faces critical junctures, including upcoming elections, it is imperative to address the underlying factors that are hindering the development of young leaders. The nation must prioritize political education, foster a culture of open discourse, and create pathways for young people to engage in political processes.

By learning from the experiences of other nations, notably those in Europe, South Korea can cultivate a new generation of leaders who are equipped to address the challenges and opportunities of the future. The time for change is now.

Investing in the Future: Europe’s Proactive Stance on Youth Political Engagement

Across Europe, a concerted effort is underway to cultivate the next generation of political leaders. This isn’t a passive hope, but a deliberate strategy involving educational reforms, robust party structures, and influential think tanks. Unlike some regions where youth political engagement is an afterthought, Europe is actively nurturing young talent, equipping them with the skills and experience necessary to shape the future.

Early Exposure: Fostering political Awareness from a Young Age

Several European nations prioritize civic education from an early age, instilling a sense of political duty and critical thinking. For example, Finland’s education system emphasizes citizens’ rights and duties, while the United kingdom and Germany promote discussions and critical analysis of social issues. This early exposure lays the groundwork for informed political participation later in life.

Politicians are a service job that leads society in a better direction.
Sanna Marin, Former Prime Minister of Finland

Austria has even lowered the voting age to 16, providing young people with a tangible sense of political agency. This institutional change encourages them to actively engage with the political process and understand the weight of their decisions.

Political Parties: More Than Just a Stepping Stone

European political parties are actively engaging young people, providing them with platforms to develop their skills and influence policy. Internal youth committees within parties are not mere token gestures; they serve as incubators for policy ideas and political skill-building.These committees empower young members to propose suggestions, plan real policies, and gain practical experience in the political arena.

Consider the example of Finland, where adolescents are encouraged to join parties and social movements, gaining access to political stages on par with older generations. This inclusive approach fosters a culture of mentorship and collaboration, allowing young politicians to learn from experienced leaders while contributing fresh perspectives.

Think Tanks: Shaping Policy and Nurturing Talent

Think tanks play a crucial role in Europe’s political ecosystem, serving as training grounds for future leaders.These institutions provide young talents with opportunities for policy research, mentorship, and networking, bridging the gap between academia and real-world politics. In Germany, as an example, the Youth Political Academy and foundations like the Friedrich Ebert Foundation and the Conrad Adenauer Foundation are deeply involved in policy development and talent training.

France’s National Administrative School (ENA) has historically trained high-ranking officials and political leaders, creating a structure where elite administrators and politicians lead the state.Similarly, prestigious universities like Oxford and Cambridge, along with think tanks such as Chatham House and the Fabian Society, offer young talents invaluable training in politics and policy.

Examples of Young Leaders: A Testament to the System

The success of Europe’s approach is evident in the emergence of young leaders who have risen to prominence in recent years. Figures like Sanna Marin (Finland), Emmanuel Macron (France), and Sebastian Kurz (Austria) demonstrate the potential of a system that actively cultivates young talent. These leaders, who gained experience through political education, civil society engagement, and think tank involvement, exemplify the benefits of investing in the next generation.

These individuals frequently enough share a common thread: they developed political competencies through systematic training within political parties, civil society organizations, and think tanks. This complete approach equips them with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of modern politics.

A Holistic Approach: Education, Politics, and Society

Europe’s success in fostering young political leaders stems from a holistic approach that integrates education, politics, and society. By emphasizing civic education, providing opportunities for political engagement, and supporting the development of young talent through think tanks and mentorship programs, European countries are creating a pipeline of future leaders who are equipped to address the challenges of the 21st century.

This integrated system ensures that education and politics are not separate entities, but rather complementary forces that work together to shape the future of the nation. This is the strength of European political education.

The Urgent need for Political Renewal in South Korea

South Korea faces a pressing challenge: the cultivation of a new generation of political leaders. While the nation boasts a vibrant economy and technological prowess, its political system struggles to foster young talent and adapt to evolving societal needs. The question isn’t simply who will be president? but rather, how do we nurture the political leaders of tomorrow?

The Flaws in the Foundation: Education and Political Indifference

The current educational system in South Korea, heavily focused on rote memorization and high-stakes entrance exams, inadvertently breeds political apathy. The intense competition leaves little room for critical thinking, debate, or engagement with social issues. While civics courses exist,they often devolve into memorization exercises,failing to instill a sense of civic responsibility or encourage active participation in the political process.

This emphasis on conformity over critical thought produces compliant citizens rather than engaged and informed participants in democracy. As a result, many young Koreans view politics as something distant and irrelevant to their lives.

Barriers to Entry: The Old guard and Party Politics

Even when young individuals express interest in politics, significant obstacles hinder their involvement. Youth committees within political parties often exist in name only, serving as mere tools for established politicians. Young candidates frequently face exclusion from organizational support and funding. The entrenched interests within party nomination systems further impede the entry of fresh talent.

The political landscape is often characterized by power struggles rather than policy-oriented debates, relegating young politicians to the sidelines. Token gestures, such as placing young individuals on proportional portrayal lists, fail to address the systemic issues that prevent their meaningful participation.

The Missing Link: The Role of Think Tanks

A critical deficiency lies in the absence of robust think tanks dedicated to long-term national strategy and leadership development. While some researchers operate within political circles,their focus often remains on short-term gains. Private research institutions, driven by contractual obligations, often neglect the crucial task of nurturing young talent.

The lack of think tanks that can design national strategies and identify and cultivate next-generation leaders contributes to a poverty of national vision. This contrasts sharply with the European model,where think tanks play a vital role in shaping policy agendas and fostering young political talent through close collaboration with political parties.

European think tanks work closely with political parties to discover the future agenda and foster and produce young politicians.

A Call for Systemic Reform

South Korea’s future hinges on its ability to cultivate the next generation of leaders. This requires a comprehensive overhaul of the education system, political structures, and the role of think tanks. Leaders capable of navigating the complexities of the 21st century will not emerge by chance; they require deliberate preparation, investment, and a fundamental shift in political culture.

Instead of lamenting the lack of young politicians, the focus must shift to actively creating the conditions that enable their emergence. This includes reforming youth political education within parties, moving beyond superficial training to provide genuine mentorship and opportunities for growth. Furthermore, institutions like the National Assembly Budget Research Institute and national think tanks must establish a virtuous cycle that connects policy development with talent cultivation.

Looking Ahead: A Path to Progress

To ensure a brighter future, South Korea must prioritize the following:

• Educational Reform: Implement curricula that foster critical thinking, debate, and civic engagement.
• Political Inclusion: Open up party nomination processes and provide meaningful opportunities for young politicians to participate.
• Think tank Development: invest in self-reliant think tanks focused on long-term national strategy and leadership development.

By addressing these critical areas, South Korea can move beyond the cycle of old-fashioned person-centered politics and cultivate a new generation of leaders equipped to guide the nation forward.

The Imperative for New Leadership in a Rapidly Changing World

South korea stands at a critical juncture. The upcoming presidential election presents an prospect to break free from established norms and cultivate a new generation of leaders equipped to navigate the complexities of the 21st century. the question isn’t merely Who will be president? but rather What kind of leadership are we fostering for the future?

Beyond Generational Change: The Birth of a New Leadership Paradigm

True progress transcends mere generational shifts. It demands the emergence of a novel leadership paradigm capable of propelling South Korea onto the global stage. This necessitates a departure from politics entrenched in vested interests and outdated authoritarian practices. As seen with emerging young leaders across Europe, age is not a barrier but rather a catalyst when coupled with courage and a forward-thinking vision.

Consider, for example, the rise of Sanna Marin in Finland, who became the world’s youngest prime minister in 2019 at the age of 34, demonstrating that youthful leadership can bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Investing in the Future: The Role of Think tanks and Policy Innovation

To cultivate strategic talent, South Korea must prioritize investment in independent think tanks and policy experimentation. These institutions should serve as incubators for young policymakers, providing them with the training and practical experience necessary to bridge the gap between research and real-world politics. It’s crucial to foster an ecosystem where young leaders can learn,grow,and even embrace failure as a stepping stone to success,mirroring the European model of empowering youth with authority and learning opportunities.

As Europe and around the world have proved, talent is made. Korea should now be prepared.The future does not wait. Only countries that prepare for the future get tomorrow.

Reforming Structures: From Education to Party Politics

Achieving this vision requires a comprehensive overhaul of existing structures. This includes reforming the education system to identify and nurture young talent,and also innovating party structures to create pathways for their participation in politics. The goal is to ensure that politics is not perceived as a late-career option accessible only after the age of 60, but rather as a field where future generations can actively shape the nation’s destiny.

A Moral Promise: The State’s Responsibility to Future Generations

The state is more than just a collection of institutions; it represents a moral commitment to future generations. Nurturing leaders is not merely a political choice but a societal responsibility and a historical imperative. Politics should be viewed as a blueprint for the future, with young leaders playing a pivotal role in shaping their own destinies.

Seizing the Opportunity: A Call to Action

The upcoming presidential election presents a unique opportunity for South Korea to chart a new course. By prioritizing the development of young leaders and investing in strategic talent, the nation can secure its future and emerge as a global leader in the years to come. The time for change is now.