Frontlines of political unrest erupted in South Korea on Friday as the Constitutional Court confirmed the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. In front of Yoon's official residence, supporters rallied passionately, expressing feelings of betrayal and injustice. "I came here with hope in my heart, believing we would win ... It's so unfair," lamented 64-year-old Won Bog-sil amid a gathering of thousands whose voices resonated through live-streamed channels popular among Yoon's followers.

Although stripped of his power, Yoon's legacy appears to exacerbate the nation's polarization. Last December, his unexpected martial law declaration eroded confidence in his presidency, yet his ardent supporters perceive him as a martyr battling pervasive opposition. This sentiment has fostered a fringe movement that has grown increasingly zealous and aggressive. Protest signs echoing "Stop the Steal" at rallies invite comparisons to right-wing sentiments in the U.S. and highlight the inspirational role of right-wing YouTubers in this new political landscape.

In the wake of Yoon's legal troubles, his supporters have taken to the streets, leading to escalating violence, including a shocking courthouse siege and the tragic self-immolation of a protester. Such incidents have fueled divisions even within conservative circles, as some question the alignment with radical factions fostered by online influencers. "He has watched too many trashy YouTube videos," remarked a conservative op-ed, underscoring discontent surrounding the influence of biased digital content.

Yoon, who once actively courted YouTubers, presently finds the narrative of his victimization profoundly embedded in online discourse. His supporters frame opposition lawmakers as subservient to North Korea and assert electoral fraud—claims unsupported by evidence, including a Supreme Court ruling affirming election integrity. Nevertheless, the appeal of these narratives offers considerable traction among an audience increasingly distrustful of mainstream media.

As the situation unfolds, the dissonance within the ruling People Power Party (PPP) intensifies, with some members siding with Yoon while others advocate for his impeachment. Deep divisions challenge party unity, illustrated by lawmaker Cho Kyoung-tae’s bewilderment at the adulation directed toward Yoon, likening it to idol worship. The PPP initially grappled with declining approval ratings, only to experience a resurgence of support for the party as loyalty to Yoon grew post-impeachment.

Experts are wary of the potentially unstoppable momentum of radicalized factions. Christopher Jumin Lee, a Korea expert, observes that Yoon's actions have driven society to unprecedented levels of polarization, complicating any future negotiations or compromises with a party that continues to embrace him. Similarly, as leftist voices rally against Yoon, the risk of further entrenchment along ideological lines poses substantial challenges to governance and societal cohesion in South Korea.