Do Chungbuk National University(CBNU) students remember what day April 11th is? If you are interested in politics or often watch the news, you can easily know that the 19th General Election day is on April 11th, 2012.
As media sources and SNS(Social Networking Services) have invigorated university students, places for discussion about politics have increased compared to the past. Many university students have stated their views about politics or social problems by using SNS. However, many university students who have their own viewpoints on politics are reluctant to participate in influential political actions. The most fundamental method to participate in politics in a democratic society is voting. However, the turnout of the voters in their twenties was just 14.2% in the 17th Presidential Election and 19.3% in the 18th General Election. As I consider this figure, there is no way of knowing how many university students will take part in the 19th General Election.
There are some reasons why many university students who are interested in politics and who freely voice their opinions through internet media don’t vote. Korean politicians have not gained trust from university students who have to vote. The National Assembly is a battlefield between the ruling party and the opposition party surrounding the passing of bills, and there is much bad news such as corruption scandals and molestation charges implicating lawmakers. The Grand National Party-Hannara changed their name to Saenuri, and the Democratic United Party formed a coalition with other parties and scouted for new members to give people images of reformation. However, whether this effort of the parties really renewed their party spirit and whether they could give young people trust is up in the air. In this political situation, university students have a difficult time knowing who they are going to vote for the National Assembly members.
People have elected presidents and members of the National Assembly who led Korea on behalf of themselves. Whether you are satisfied with the political situation which is led by the result of the past elections or not, the current situation in Korea exists. Voting is a basic right and an obligation that people should exercise. CBNU students have to be actively interested in the 19th General Election and should vote. Individually announcing their opinions about politics through internet media can give a stimulus to politicians. However, the more influential behavior in participating in politics is voting for members of the National Assembly who will fulfill their election pledges. I hope that April 11th will be a day of participating in politics not just a holiday for CBNU students!