Young Koreans say political and social differences do not automatically end romance, but many now screen potential partners for values and compatibility. In the Hankook Ilbo roundtable series Tiki-Taka, participants said checks can include social media, online communities, and reactions to issues like gender equality and sexual minorities. Several said political views can signal whether a partner would be supportive, safe, and able to understand their problems.
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Political and social divisions between young men and women have become increasingly visible in Korea, raising questions about whether the divide is spilling over into their romantic relationships.
But for young Koreans themselves, differences in political views do not necessarily make romance impossible. Instead, they say they are finding their own balance between love and personal values — while some see checking a potential partner's views as an essential step before entering a relationship.
The following is the first installment of "Tiki-Taka," a Hankook Ilbo roundtable series that presents the perspectives and ideas of young people whose outlook differs from and may never become the same as that of older generations.
