Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached, leaving a fractured nation behind him. Pro-Yoon protests erupted outside his official residence after Constitutional Court judges confirmed his impeachment, with many supporters expressing feelings of betrayal. Yoon's martial law declaration last December fueled national backlash, yet his staunch supporters view him as a victim of a biased political system and sprawling conspiracy narratives pushed by right-wing YouTubers.
These digital influencers provide a platform for extreme viewpoints, transforming online support into real-world demonstrations. Protests have grown increasingly violent, with supporters clashing with police, and even tragedies like a suicide attempt linked to the mounting tensions. Some conservatives express concern over the radicalization of Yoon’s base, highlighting the disconnect between the mainstream political narrative and the fervor of Yoon's followers.
Despite his impeachment, Yoon’s popularity among conservatives seems to be rising; approval ratings for his party have bounced back after his controversial actions. Some political analysts suggest that his supporters’ solidarity against a common enemy, the opposition Democratic Party, might be fostering a dangerous sense of loyalty that further divides the political landscape.
This polarization puts tremendous strain on South Korean society, as both right- and left-leaning factions grow more extreme. “Much damage has already been done in terms of radicalising the right,” warns a Korea expert, emphasizing the challenges facing any future collaboration across the divide. In a nation grappling with intense ideological rifts, Yoon’s tenure is poised to resonate beyond politics, impacting the very fabric of South Korean culture.