Post-Election: Can President Lee Jae-myung bridge S. Korea's political divide?

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon.

South Korea has entered a new political era.

On June 4th, President Lee Jae-myung was inaugurated after an emergency snap election—triggered under the exceptional circumstances of martial law declared last December. The vote, while constitutionally sound, exposed deep divisions across the country.

Electoral data shows a nation split sharply by region, gender, and generation.

The most striking trend: a generational gender divide, with young men and women voting in opposite directions, prompting global headlines about a democracy being reshaped by identity politics.

With a legislative majority, the Lee administration now has the momentum to act decisively.

But the broader question looms—how will it govern a polarized public?

For a deeper discussion on this, we are joined in the studio by Hans Schattle, Professor of Political Science at Yonsei University

And to my right is Soo Jin (Suzie) Kim, Professor of Political Theory at Kyung Hee University. Thank you for coming on.

1. (Schattle) President Lee took office on June 4th after an unprecedented snap election triggered by the martial law declaration. What does this unusual transition say about the current state of Korean democracy?

2. (Kim) Looking at the results of the 21st presidential election, the vote showed sharp divides by region, age, and gender. Why is Korea's political polarization getting so extreme?

3. (Schattle) A particularly notable trend was the gender divide. Young voters, especially Gen Z, were split sharply by gender. Some say this divide is reshaping Korean politics. Do you agree—and what's behind it?

4. (Kim) This deep political polarization and public division are widely considered the greatest challenge facing the Lee Jae-myung administration. In fact, President Lee stressed unity in his Memorial Day speech. What should be the top priority if he wants real social and political integration?

5. (Schattle) President Lee has consistently highlighted the need for constitutional reform, including a four-year, two-term presidency, to ease gridlock. Do you think that could help reduce polarization?

6. (Kim) This snap election has resulted in a new power dynamic—ruling party majority, opposition minority. With this, Lee can move fast—but that raises concerns about overreach. How can he push for reforms while keeping democratic balance?

7. (Schattle) At the same time, generational and gender-based conflicts have emerged as major social fault lines. With regards to gender and generational tensions—what kind of neutral, fair approach should the government take?

8. (Schattle) Political polarization is not unique to Korea—it is also observed in countries like the U.S. and across Europe. Are there any unity strategies from the U.S. or Europe that Korea could apply?

9. (Kim) Looking ahead—what kind of leadership and political culture are essential for the Lee Jae-myung administration to reach long-term social cohesion?