Pained cries rang out in front of former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's official residence as judges affirmed his impeachment verdict on Friday. Yeon’s removal from power marks a significant turning point for a country that remains increasingly polarized. Supporters, like 64-year-old Won Bog-sil, publicly voiced their discontent, expressing feelings of injustice at the event streamed live on YouTube — a platform popular among both Yoon’s followers and the former president himself.
Yoon’s presidency, once marked by promises of reform, took a drastic turn following his controversial martial law declaration last December. The declaration alienated a substantial portion of the population, but it also fortified a base of devoted supporters. Many conservatives now view Yoon as a martyr, echoing the rhetoric propagated by influential right-wing YouTubers who suggest his authoritarian measures were necessary to defend against alleged pro-North Korea sentiments within the opposition.
This phenomenon has given rise to a more energized and extreme faction of Yoon supporters, who increasingly bring their online activism into the streets. Rally signs echoing "Stop the Steal" and violent confrontations, such as the storming of a Seoul courthouse, have shocked even seasoned conservatives. Critics now worry that this marks a troubling trend in political expression and dissent, one that has led to injury and loss of life, as seen in a recent tragedy involving a protester’s self-immolation.
The complex dynamics of this political turmoil have given way to harsh internal divisions among conservatives. Some have criticized Yoon's fervent followers, characterizing them as misled by sensational YouTube content. Meanwhile, Yoon himself has embraced this digital battleground, soliciting support from content creators and encouraging them to spread his messages against mainstream media.
Despite initial drops in the approval ratings of Yoon's People Power Party (PPP) post-martial law announcement, recent polling indicates a notable rebound, suggesting that loyalty to Yoon has not diminished. Analysts note that his uncompromising stance against perceived judicial and electoral injustice has secured a base that may outweigh the opposition’s efforts.
As South Koreans navigate this turbulent political landscape, the consequences of Yoon's presidency seem to foster further polarization and animosity. Influential voices on both sides caution that this growing division threatens to cement a legacy of factionalism in South Korean politics, complicating the prospects for future dialogue and compromise.
