The Youth Uprising in Asia: Gen Z Challenges Corruption and Inequality

Mon Sep 29 2025 00:23:54 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Young activists across Asia are using social media and technology to confront political corruption, catalyzing protests against social inequality and the so-called 'nepo kids'.

In recent months, Generation Z has risen against corruption and inequality in Asia, particularly through protests in Nepal, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Fueled by social media and technological tools, these youth movements are empowered, yet also face challenges as they navigate potential violence and political resistance. As they confront the so-called 'nepo kids' and demand change, the future of these protests remains uncertain.

It was the wedding of the daughter of a Nepalese politician that first angered Aditya. The 23-year-old activist was scrolling through his social media feed in May when he read complaints about how the high-profile marriage ceremony sparked huge traffic jams in the city of Bhaktapur.

What riled him most were claims that a major road was blocked for hours for VIP guests, who reportedly included the Nepalese prime minister.

Though the claim was never verified and the politician later denied that his family had misused state resources, Aditya's mind was made up. Over the next few months, he noticed more of what he saw as extravagances, posted on social media by politicians and their children - exotic holidays, pictures showing off mansions, supercars, and designer handbags.

Enraged by the huge inequality, young Nepalis have been calling the children of politicians 'nepo kids'. On 8 September, determined to fight what he saw as corruption, Aditya and his friends joined thousands of young protesters on the streets of the capital Kathmandu.

As the protests gathered pace, there were clashes between demonstrators and police, leaving some protesters dead. The following day, crowds stormed parliament and burned down government offices. The prime minister KP Sharma Oli resigned. In total, around 70 people were killed.

This fervor for change has swept across Asia in recent months. Young people in Indonesia and the Philippines have staged their own demonstrations, all driven by Generation Z, many of whom are furious at what they see as endemic corruption in their countries.

Governments in the region caution that the protests could escalate into violence. However, demonstrators like Aditya are confident they are on the brink of a new era of protester power, drawing inspiration from successful youth movements in the region.

The backlash against 'nepo kids' symbolizes broader dissatisfaction with political elites seen as exacerbating social inequalities. Protests in multiple Asian nations connect digitally through hashtags and shared symbols, indicating a burgeoning solidarity across borders.

Despite their passion and digital savvy, challenges persist. The leaderless nature of these protests may hinder long-term change as demands remain unstructured. Observers express cautious optimism, noting that history shows mass movements require more than just digital platforms to enact lasting reform.