Next Generation (Chagi)
Overview
Chagi (次期) is a Sino-Korean term meaning 'next period' or 'next turn,' primarily used to refer to a successor or next-generation candidate who will follow the current leader or system in politics, economy, and organizations. In South Korea, it is widely used in forms such as 'next-generation candidate' (차기 주자) or 'next-generation leader' (차기 지도자) across various fields, including presidential elections, party leadership elections, and CEO successions in corporations. This concept implies the continuity and change of power, as well as the dynamics of generational change. In particular, in the political sphere, discussions about next-generation presidential candidates emerge as a key topic every election season.
Main Content
Political Next Generation
In politics, 'next generation' mainly refers to 'next presidential candidate' at the time leading up to a presidential election. South Korea adopts a five-year single-term presidential system, so as the term nears its end, attention naturally focuses on next-generation presidential hopefuls. Next-generation candidates are selected through party primaries regardless of the ruling or opposition party, and are evaluated through public opinion polls, political moves, and policy announcements. Major next-generation candidates include Lee Jae-myung (Lee Jae-myung, Democratic Party of Korea) and Han Dong-hoon (Han Dong-hoon, People Power Party), with rankings fluctuating in various polls ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Discussions about the next generation go beyond simple candidate evaluation, reflecting complex factors such as whether there will be a regime change, policy directions, and generational conflicts.
Next Generation in Economy and Corporations
In corporations, CEO succession or the selection of next-generation management is a significant issue. South Korea's large conglomerates (Samsung, Hyundai Motor, LG, SK, etc.) actively discuss 'next-generation chairman' or 'next-generation CEO' regarding the succession of owner families or the transition to a professional management system. For example, at Samsung Electronics, there is high interest in next-generation leadership after Chairman Lee Jae-yong (Lee Jae-yong), while at Hyundai Motor, the succession structure under Chairman Chung Eui-sun (Chung Eui-sun) draws attention. In the economy, the next generation is directly linked to corporate sustainability, innovation capabilities, and shareholder value, with an emphasis on transparency and fairness in succession plans.
Next Generation in Society and Organizations
In various organizations such as political parties, civic groups, and labor unions, the election of next-generation leaders is a key decision-making process. For example, a party's next-generation leadership election is a critical matter that determines the party's direction and identity. A representative case is Han Dong-hoon being elected as the next party leader at the People Power Party's national convention in 2024. Additionally, in labor unions, the election of the next chairman affects members' rights and collective bargaining.
Next Generation and Generational Change
Discussions about the next generation are often linked to generational change. Amid the expansion of political participation by younger generations and conflicts with older generations, 'next generation' symbolizes new visions and change. For instance, in the 2020s, as the political voice of the 2030 generation grew, younger politicians (e.g., Jin Seong-jun (Jin Seong-jun), Jang Kyung-tae (Jang Kyung-tae)) emerged as next-generation candidates. In corporations, there is also a growing preference for next-generation management that reflects the consumption patterns and values of the MZ generation.
Next Generation and Media/Public Opinion
The media shapes public opinion through coverage of next-generation candidates, strengthening or weakening the image of specific individuals. Poll results, political commentary, and social media reactions influence discussions about the next generation, which directly or indirectly affects election outcomes. In particular, cases of fake news or malicious framing damaging the reputation of next-generation candidates have occurred.
Latest Trends
As of 2024–2025, the landscape of next-generation presidential candidates in South Korean politics is rapidly changing ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, emerged as the top next-generation presidential candidate after the 2024 general election victory, but legal risks (e.g., the Daejang-dong scandal, perjury instigation) act as variables. Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, rose as a next-generation presidential candidate after seizing party power at the July 2024 national convention, but faces challenges such as internal factional conflicts and policy differences. Additionally, from third-zone forces (e.g., the Reform Party, New Future), figures like Lee Jun-seok (Lee Jun-seok) and Kim Jong-in (Kim Jong-in) are mentioned as next-generation candidates, raising the possibility of a multi-party race. In the economic sector, the process of selecting Samsung Electronics' next CEO is drawing attention, with discussions on leadership change accelerating amid the semiconductor crisis in late 2024. At SK Group, uncertainty over the next-generation management structure has grown following Chairman Chey Tae-won (Chey Tae-won)'s divorce lawsuit. Socially, with the MZ generation's expanded participation in politics and economy, expectations and anxieties about the 'next generation' coexist, highlighting the need for intergenerational dialogue and integration.
Related Topics
- [[Presidential Election]]
- [[Political Party]]
- [[Generational Change]]
- [[Leadership]]
- [[Public Opinion Poll]]
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