In the aftermath of former President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, South Korea finds itself increasingly divided, with fervent support for Yoon emanating from a fringe movement dominated by right-wing YouTubers. On Friday, a rally outside Yoon's official residence echoed with cries of outrage and disappointment following the Constitutional Court's ruling to impeach the president. “I came here with hope in my heart,” lamented Won Bog-sil, a 64-year-old protestor amidst a crowd of thousands.
Although Yoon has lost his political power, he has effectively become a symbol for a growing number of South Koreans who view the impeachment as an act of injustice. Many of his ardent supporters believe his controversial decisions—like the declaration of martial law last December—were necessary to protect the country against pro-North Korean opposition lawmakers. Their fears are amplified by influential right-wing YouTubers who propagate conspiracy theories and declare Yoon a victim of rampant electoral fraud.
The “Stop the Steal” narrative, reminiscent of sentiments expressed in American political spheres, has emerged as a rallying cry at demonstrations in support of Yoon. The movement has ushered in a wave of radical actions, including a violent incident where supporters stormed a courthouse, clashing violently with police in a chaotic show of allegiance to their fallen leader. This rising trend of violence has shocked even traditional conservatives, prompting some to question the motivations behind Yoon's supporters.
Since his inauguration in 2022, Yoon has embraced right-wing digital influencers, encouraging his followers to consume information from Youtube channels rather than mainstream media, which many of them regard with distrust. Amidst claims of systematic interference by China and North Korea in South Korean politics, these narratives have taken hold, engulfing a segment of the youth, who are captivated by these new media's sensational perspectives.
Despite a backdrop of turmoil and unrest, Yoon's political party, the People Power Party (PPP), has seen a surprising surge in support. Poll ratings not only stabilized but improved following Yoon's martial law announcement, reflecting a newfound loyalty among conservatives towards their leader. While analysts point to a palpable divide within the PPP, with some party members supporting Yoon's ouster, the public discourse remains fraught with animosity, largely fueled by the viral nature of online rhetoric.
As the country navigates an increasingly complex political landscape, the question arises: has Yoon's presidency, marked by forthright extremism and populist nationalism, irreparably fractured South Korean society? Political experts express concern that the ingrained narratives surrounding Yoon have propelled political polarisation to new heights, alienating both traditional conservative circles and the opposition party. Amid these pressures, any avenue for compromise appears more distant than ever.
Although Yoon has lost his political power, he has effectively become a symbol for a growing number of South Koreans who view the impeachment as an act of injustice. Many of his ardent supporters believe his controversial decisions—like the declaration of martial law last December—were necessary to protect the country against pro-North Korean opposition lawmakers. Their fears are amplified by influential right-wing YouTubers who propagate conspiracy theories and declare Yoon a victim of rampant electoral fraud.
The “Stop the Steal” narrative, reminiscent of sentiments expressed in American political spheres, has emerged as a rallying cry at demonstrations in support of Yoon. The movement has ushered in a wave of radical actions, including a violent incident where supporters stormed a courthouse, clashing violently with police in a chaotic show of allegiance to their fallen leader. This rising trend of violence has shocked even traditional conservatives, prompting some to question the motivations behind Yoon's supporters.
Since his inauguration in 2022, Yoon has embraced right-wing digital influencers, encouraging his followers to consume information from Youtube channels rather than mainstream media, which many of them regard with distrust. Amidst claims of systematic interference by China and North Korea in South Korean politics, these narratives have taken hold, engulfing a segment of the youth, who are captivated by these new media's sensational perspectives.
Despite a backdrop of turmoil and unrest, Yoon's political party, the People Power Party (PPP), has seen a surprising surge in support. Poll ratings not only stabilized but improved following Yoon's martial law announcement, reflecting a newfound loyalty among conservatives towards their leader. While analysts point to a palpable divide within the PPP, with some party members supporting Yoon's ouster, the public discourse remains fraught with animosity, largely fueled by the viral nature of online rhetoric.
As the country navigates an increasingly complex political landscape, the question arises: has Yoon's presidency, marked by forthright extremism and populist nationalism, irreparably fractured South Korean society? Political experts express concern that the ingrained narratives surrounding Yoon have propelled political polarisation to new heights, alienating both traditional conservative circles and the opposition party. Amid these pressures, any avenue for compromise appears more distant than ever.
