Editor\u2019s note: Korea Pro\u2019s regular \u2018Election Watch\u2019 series covers key political developments in South Korea leading to the April 10 General Elections.<\/i><\/p>\n
South Korea faces significant risks due to the persistent underrepresentation of women in its National Assembly, including legislative gender inequality, unfulfilled commitments by political parties and the limited influence of elected female lawmakers.<\/span><\/p>\n Despite promises from the country\u2019s two major parties to nominate women for 30% of their district vote positions, neither has upheld this commitment as of Friday, suggesting the 22nd National Assembly may once again have one of the <\/span>lowest female representation rates<\/span><\/a> among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.<\/span><\/p>\n Over the past decade, the 20th and 21st assemblies have seen slight improvements, with 51 and 57 women elected, respectively. However, with only 57 seats out of the National Assembly\u2019s 300, South Korea barely surpasses North Korea and remains lower than China in terms of female representation.<\/span><\/p>\n Experts told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i> that for South Korea to be recognized as a global pivotal state, it must enhance legislative gender equality. However, as major and smaller parties finalize their nominations by mid-March, trends indicate a low number of female candidates.<\/span><\/p>\n