These women helped bring down a president - now they say they feel invisible

Women in South Korea played a crucial role in the protests that led to the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. These protests were sparked by Yoon's unexpected declaration of martial law on December 3, which shocked many citizens, including a young woman named Byunghui. She was playing a video game when she heard the news and soon joined thousands of protesters, especially young women, who traveled from across the country to Seoul to express their anger and demand change. The women were not only protesting the martial law but also the president's denial of sexism in South Korea, despite widespread discrimination and violence against women. They returned to the streets week after week, supporting the investigation into Yoon's abuse of power, and celebrated when he was finally impeached after four intense months.

The atmosphere at the protests was powerful and emotional. Despite the bitter cold, tens of thousands of women gathered, singing hopeful K-pop songs like 'Into the World' by Girls' Generation, which became an anthem for the movement. Many of the protesters were young women in their 20s and 30s, who made up the largest group at the rallies. These women were motivated by years of frustration over gender inequality, including a significant gender pay gap and societal pressure to marry and have children. The protests gave them a chance to express their dissatisfaction and demand a better future. However, the protests also revealed deep divisions in South Korean society, with many young men supporting Yoon and opposing feminist movements, feeling that they were victims of reverse discrimination.

Now, as South Korea prepares for a new presidential election, many of the women who fought to remove Yoon feel invisible once again. The main candidates have largely ignored issues of gender equality, and a new candidate known for his anti-feminist views has gained popularity among young men. This has left many young women feeling abandoned and worried about the future of women's rights in their country. They remember the hope and unity of the protests but fear that their voices are being erased in the current political climate. Despite these challenges, these women remain determined to continue speaking out and fighting for equality, believing that change is still possible if they keep pushing forward.