Research Article · Vol. 24, No. 1 (2025) · pp. 1-24
Networked Publics and Election Discourse: A Semantic Network Analysis of the 2024 South Korean General Election on YouTube
- Mina Seo — Seoul National University
- Joon Ho Kwak — Yeungnam University
Published Jun 30, 2025
Abstract
This study maps the semantic networks of election-related YouTube discourse during the 2024 South Korean general election. Drawing on 48,000 comments across 320 channels, we identify polarized issue publics and show that cross-cutting exposure is concentrated in a small set of bridge channels. The findings extend theories of networked publics to algorithmically curated video platforms and offer implications for election communication policy in East Asia.
Keywords:semantic network analysisYouTubeSouth Koreaelectionspolarization