A Generational Shift in Politics... Will the 'Minimum Age of 40 for Presidential Eligibility' Be Abolished?

"Youth Advancement Blocked"... Justice Party Advocates Abolishing Age Restrictions for Candidacy
Many Foreign Countries Have Already Produced Numerous National Leaders in Their 30s
Experts Say "Anyone Should Be Able to Run for Public Office"

French President Emmanuel Macron. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Joo-hee] Amid the rising political discourse on 'generation change' with former Supreme Council member Lee Jun-seok in his 30s advancing as the top candidate in the People Power Party leadership race, there have been calls to amend the presidential eligibility age requirement of 40 years or older. Critics argue that constitutionally restricting young people's political participation is outdated.

Experts emphasize that anyone with voting rights should be guaranteed the freedom to run for public office such as president or member of the National Assembly.

The Youth Justice Party on the 30th argued that the current constitutional provision setting the presidential election eligibility age at 40 should be changed to allow young politicians under 40 to run for president.

Kang Min-jin, leader of the Youth Justice Party, said at a press conference, "The constitutional clause barring presidential candidates under 40 is discriminatory and unfair, created by former President Park Chung-hee," adding, "It played a significant role in preventing competitors in their 30s from running at the time."

She continued, "The presidential election should not be the exclusive domain of a particular generation but an opportunity open to anyone," emphasizing, "Breaking down the barriers to eligibility can also dismantle obstacles blocking Korea's future vision. Being young does not mean one's dreams to change the world are insignificant."

Ryu Ho-jeong, the youngest member of the 21st National Assembly at age 28, said, "The world has changed. Generation change in politics is now public opinion," adding, "If 36-year-old Lee Jun-seok can become the leader of the main opposition party, then one should be able to become president before turning 40."

Jang Hye-young, also in her 30s, noted, "Kim Young-sam, who emerged as a rival to Park Chung-hee, was 35, and Kim Dae-jung was 38 when they were young," pointing out, "Some try to justify age-based voting restrictions by citing young people's lack of experience or immaturity, but these arguments lack persuasiveness."

From the left, Ryu Ho-jeong, Justice Party member of the National Assembly; Kang Min-jin, leader of the Youth Justice Party; Jang Hye-young, Justice Party member of the National Assembly. / Photo by Yonhap News

South Korea's Constitution Article 67, Paragraph 4 states, "A person eligible to be elected as a member of the National Assembly and who has reached the age of 40 on the election day may be elected as president." This provision effectively blocks people in their 20s or 30s from running for president. In addition to the presidency, eligibility for members of the National Assembly, local council members, and local government heads is also restricted to those aged 25 or older.

Compared to other countries, South Korea's presidential eligibility age limit is relatively strict. Like South Korea, the United States, which also has a presidential system, requires candidates to be at least 35 years old, while France sets the age at 18.

In fact, many countries have had leaders ascend to the top position in their 30s. Emmanuel Macron, President of France, was elected at age 39 in the 2017 presidential election. Sebastian Kurz, the youngest incumbent head of state, became Austria's chancellor at age 31 the same year, governed for two years, and was re-elected in January last year.

Other examples include former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, and Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado, all of whom assumed national leadership in their 30s.

Among citizens, there are also many opinions that the age requirement of 40 or older should be changed in line with the changing times. Kim, a 30-something office worker, said, "This law should have been changed from the start. The perception that older age means more experience and knowledge is a prejudice."

Another netizen commented, "Legally restricting age is outdated," adding, "Many young CEOs in their 20s and 30s are emerging, so removing such eligibility restrictions in politics would be a positive change."

On the other hand, there are concerned voices questioning whether younger politicians can lead a country. Another netizen said, "The president is not just any position but one responsible for the entire country. It is worrisome to think that someone with little political experience would run the government solely on enthusiasm."

Experts suggest that anyone with voting rights should be guaranteed the freedom to run for public office such as president or member of the National Assembly.

Political commentator Lee Jong-hoon said, "Since voting rights are granted at age 18, the same should apply to presidential elections, allowing anyone with voting rights to run. It is time for this to change," emphasizing, "Verification of candidates should be judged by the public during the presidential election process."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.