Pained cries resonated in front of former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's residence on Friday as the Constitutional Court verified his impeachment. "I came with hope in my heart... It's so unfair," said 64-year-old Won Bog-sil at a rally where thousands gathered to show solidarity for Yoon. This emotional scene captured live on platforms like YouTube mirrors the rising wave of agitation among his supporters.
Although Yoon has been stripped of power, he has left a path of polarization within South Korea. His unexpected martial law declaration last December alienated many citizens; however, his ardent supporters perceived his legal troubles as proof of a wronged leader. Echoing the narratives from influential right-wing YouTubers, they assert that martial law was a necessity against what they view as a pro-North Korea opposition.
The rallying cry of "Stop the Steal" echoes pro-Trump sentiments as Yoon's supporters fought against alleged election fraud, emphasizing their distrust in established media. This fervor has escalated into violence, with supporters storming courthouses and confronting police, raising concerns among even conservative factions.
Even within conservative circles, the normalization of violence has alarmed many, with one op-ed criticizing the fanaticism among Yoon’s followers. Early on, Yoon embraced right-wing YouTubers, integrating their narratives into his appeal, ultimately driving a wedge further into the electorate's consciousness.
Following a significant electoral defeat for Yoon’s conservative party, a wave of conspiracy theories emerged, alleging electoral interference by China and North Korea sympathizers within the opposition, intensifying the split among voters.
Newly energized supporters, many young men absorbing content from conservative YouTubers, have rallied around Yoon. Channels promoting conservative agendas are becoming increasingly popular, with their messages increasingly influential among the electorate.
Despite the chaos stemming from the martial law declaration, Yoon's party has strangely regained popularity, indicating a complex relationship between electoral dynamics and grassroots movements. Observers noted that Yoon is now enjoying even greater support from his base, suggesting that his controversial decisions may have inadvertently strengthened his political capital.
Amid this turbulence, serious fractures have emerged within the ruling party, creating a split between loyalists and those advocating for Yoon’s removal. As the fierce loyalty to Yoon persists, many within the party fear the consequences of aligning with his brand of politics, which now includes a significant and radicalized right-wing base.
Experts warn that this growing rift could lead to an ungovernable element within conservatism in South Korea, as both left and right-wing YouTubers mobilize their respective bases against each other, contributing to an increasingly entrenched divide in South Korean society. The embers of Yoon’s controversial presidency have ignited a firestorm of polarization, leaving many to ponder the future of their political landscape.
