Why do Korean religious voters support different presidential candidates?

What is it about?

There has been a growing interest in religious politics in Korea. Generally speaking, previous literature points out that Confucianism is overwhelming religion in Korea. However, this article displays Korean religious market is pluralistic and explains why three major religious groups (Buddhists, Protestants, and Catholics) show different voting behaviors in presidential elections and how they mobilize their believers in elections. In particular, this study briefly introduces the change of Korean religious market since the end of World War II and the history of Korean religious politics. Also, this paper emphasizes the importance of religious institutions in Korean politics.

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Why is it important?

This article offers alternative explanation and real dynamics on Korean religious politics. In fact, Contrary to previous literature, Confucianism is not dominant in religious market. Buddhists, Protestants, and Catholics are competitive in not only religious market but also religious politics. This study stresses religious groups need to be considered as crucial political groups in Korean politics.

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