SEOUL, South Korea — Amidst the bone-chilling January temperatures, thousands of supporters gathered in Seoul to rally behind the impeached former president, whose time in office faces a potential end due to looming rebellion charges. Attendees waved flags from both South Korea and the United States, asserting their dedication to their contentious leader during this trying period.
The growing protests appear to channel the outspoken defiance of President Yoon Suk Yeol and are fueled further by the influence of right-wing YouTube channels. These digital platforms frame Yoon’s narrative as one of a victim persecuted by a leftist opposition sympathetic to North Korea. Many supporters believe that this opposition has manipulated elections to seize control of the legislature with plans to oust a leader they view as patriotic.
Signs at the recent gatherings reflected the anger and resolve of the participants, with slogans such as “Out with fraudulent elections and a fake National Assembly!” brandished by protesters. This expression of dissent was marked by a large law enforcement presence nearby, coinciding with Yoon becoming the first sitting president to be embroiled in a criminal investigation.
The atmosphere at the pro-Yoon rallies is charged with hostility towards perceived electoral malfeasance, which is often propagated by conservative YouTube influencers. These channels have bolstered claims of electoral fraud that Yoon has supported in his public critiques of electoral authorities. Protesters displayed banners claiming that martial law had been invoked to address election fraud, echoing sentiments that parallel the narrative surrounding the U.S. Capitol attack on January 6, 2021.
Concerns have been raised over Yoon’s connections with certain right-wing figures on YouTube, some of whom attended his inauguration. One such figure claimed that Yoon tunes into his content even in his sleep, prompting fears about the influence of these figures on the political landscape. The declaration of martial law on December 3 intensified these fears, as it involved the deployment of armed forces to surround the National Assembly, reviving unsettling memories of past military dictatorships.
On the night of martial law, citizens rallied at parliament to enable lawmakers to overcome the military blockade, showcasing their commitment to democratic principles. Shortly thereafter, the opposition-led National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon, suspending his powers and leaving his fate to the Constitutional Court.
The political deadlock that followed has underscored the deep ideological fissures in the country. During this period, increasingly absurd conspiracy theories regarding the legitimacy of elections have found favor among certain political factions, with these theories often echoed by Yoon himself. After his arrest, he made claims of significant evidence supporting the existence of electoral fraud, all while maintaining his controversial declaration of martial law.
Many political analysts are apprehensive about the potential effects of such rhetoric on the integrity of future elections. Lawmakers from Yoon’s party have been frequently spotted alongside far-right YouTube personalities at rallies, which fuels suspicions about the public acceptance of these unfounded allegations. Incapable of discerning whether these leaders genuinely believe in these claims or are merely exploiting them for political gain, observers worry about the implications of this rhetoric for democracy.
Surveys have shown that amidst the turmoil, both Yoon and his political party saw an uptick in support since the imposition of martial law. The dangers of utilizing conspiracy theories for political advantage are evident, as they contribute to a deteriorating trust in the electoral process. Political experts warn that such divisive tactics will likely perpetuate chaos until a resolution is reached regarding Yoon’s political future.
On the night martial law was declared, media footage revealed heavily armed troops and military vehicles surrounding the National Assembly while a separate covert operation targeted the National Election Commission. Prosecutors have highlighted allegations regarding Yoon’s former defense minister suggesting plans to arrest election officials—claims that lack substantiation. Despite initial intentions for drastic measures to investigate and potentially seize evidence, this operation was ultimately thwarted.
Yoon had previously suggested invoking emergency powers early in his term, possibly to authorize these aggressive actions, especially following the liberal party’s unexpected electoral victories. During a fervent address defending his martial law decree, he cited vulnerabilities in the election network—claims that were rooted in misinformation circulated by dubious sources.
As a result, authorities and the National Election Commission have rejected allegations of electoral fraud, affirming that no evidence supports the claims made by Yoon or his supporters.
Following his detainment, reports emerged suggesting that Yoon urged party members to prioritize the support and perspectives of protesters online over what he termed ‘biased’ media narratives. Yoon continued to accuse the National Election Commission of malfeasance, insisting that serious integrity concerns loom over the organization while arguing against dismissing these claims as mere conspiracy theories.
