Youth Identity and Governance: A Case Study of South Korea's Youth Governance Movement

In the 2010s, South Korea experienced a resurgence of youth political and social engagement, marked by the rise of youth-led organizations and activism. Among these, youth governance movement groups emerged as particularly effective in mobilizing young people and influencing public policy. These groups strategically framed their labor and housing challenges as unique to their generation, positioning themselves as a marginalized social group. Furthermore, youth identity evolved into a collective identity that transcended traditional markers such as class and political ideology, serving as a foundation for mobilization and the goals of their movements.

Through collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, youth governance groups successfully advocated for policies tailored to their needs. The city government established platforms like the Seoul Youth Policy Network, empowering youth to propose and shape policies. This partnership led to significant achievements, including the enactment of the Seoul Metropolitan Government Framework Ordinance on Youth, the establishment of free coworking spaces, and the introduction of age-based subsidy policies. These groups continued their efforts to influence national policies, culminating in the passage of the Framework Act on Youth in 2020.

Drawing on interviews with 60 key informants, this study emphasizes youth identity as a crucial factor in the success of youth governance movements in South Korea. Additionally, it contributes to sociological understanding by demonstrating that while conventional youth movement studies often focus on identities such as class, environment, race, or gender, an age-based identity—youth—can effectively mobilize and sustain collective action.