Politicians urged not to misinterpret youth demands, referencing a short story

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo visited a university neighborhood in Seoul, a hub for student housing, to examine the living conditions of young people. This marked his first weekend activity since taking office. After touring narrow alleys and steep streets in the area, Han stated at a meeting that he recognized the difficulties young people face due to high housing costs. He expressed a renewed commitment to increasing the supply of dormitories and youth housing.

“

I could see the actual situation and feel the difficulties young people are experiencing due to high housing costs. I felt that we need to increase the supply of dormitories and youth housing.

Politicians across the ruling party are frequently mentioning "youth" following the June local elections. This surge in attention comes as recent polls show a significant drop in support from the 20-30 age group for the government and ruling party. Many are now voicing empathy for young people's struggles and calling for solutions. One lawmaker, Song Young-gil, urged the Democratic Party to evolve beyond its older generation's culture and become a party that embraces the aspirations of dynamic young people and university students.

The article notes the lack of a consistent definition for "youth," with different laws and political parties using varying age ranges. It also points out that the needs of young people can differ greatly based on gender, socioeconomic background, and region. The author cautions against lumping these diverse demands into a single category.

“

Let's develop together into a Democratic Party where new, dynamic 20s and 30s, and university students who dream of the future, can thrive, not a 'latte' or '꼰대' culture, or a 686 culture.

As a parting gift to young people after the meeting, Prime Minister Han reportedly gave them Kim Ae-ran's short story collection, "Hello, Goodbye." The book explores social issues like economic disparity and class conflict in South Korea. The author of the article uses an anecdote from the title story, where a character mishears the English lyric "I'm young" as "Hello" and becomes excited, to advise politicians. The writer urges them not to misinterpret the demands of young people, who are saying "I'm young," as a simple "Hello."

“

Please, to the many politicians talking about youth, do not misread the young people's 'I'm young' as 'Hello.'