How Are Minorities Represented Politically in South Korea?

Abstract

This chapter discusses gender, migrants, and generational representations in South Korean politics. Minority representation has been not debated in the political realm in earnest. Therefore, political minorities continue to serve minor roles in the National Assembly. Although the gender quota system has significantly contributed to the improvement of gender representation, the percentage of female incumbents in the National Assembly is lower than the critical point required to fundamentally transform the political realm. Migrant representation exists at a symbolic level and is yet to be addressed sufficiently. Generational representation has emerged in recent discussions. This is because political parties tend to consider gender, migrants, and generation to be representing marginal groups. This study shows that the improvement of minority representation depends on how political parties nominate their electoral candidates to receive increased seats.