Trend Political and social polarisation persists and trust in democratic institutions declines

Summary

The plan states that citizens peacefully defended the democratic constitutional order through the period of martial law and impeachment. It observes, however, that political and social polarisation and social conflict continue. In the plan's view distrust and antagonism among political actors still block citizen participation and mature public deliberation, even though it has become clear that livelihoods and the economy cannot recover without democracy. The plan also cites negative international assessments suggesting that Korean democracy has retreated from maturity, along with falling public trust in state institutions. These observations form the background for the plan's call to institutionalise participation and communication.