Elementary Students’ Perceptions of Political Issues through the Presidential Impeachment Case and Implications for Social Studies Classes

This study analyzed the perceptions of upper grade elementary school students regarding the 2025 presidential impeachment in Korea, and derived implications for social studies classes. 24 students from two elementary schools in Seoul participated in semi-structured group interviews, and the collected data were systematically analyzed. The analysis yielded three major findings. First, students interpreted the impeachment with complex and ambivalent emotions, encompassing expectations for justice and renewal, apprehension about democratic instability and social unrest, and sympathy for the impeached president. Second, they accessed information through multiple sources, including family members, peers, teachers, television news, and YouTube etc. While younger students primarily relied on family and television, older students demonstrated a growing capacity to compare media narratives critically and to question the credibility of social media content. Third, students perceived the impeachment as an educational opportunity to deepen their understanding of democracy and political institutions, highlighting the significance of elections, accountability, and civic participation. They also expressed strong expectations for schools to address current political issues as part of their rights as learners. The study underscores that elementary students’ political perceptions are not limited to passive imitation but can develop actively and critically through diverse channels. These findings suggest that elementary social studies classes should move to foster psychological support, media literacy, and the cultivation of democratic citizenship.