Right-Wing Youth Rally Behind Imprisoned Ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol in South Korea
December 20, 2025
Thousands of young South Koreans are rallying behind former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is now in prison facing charges of insurrection. Despite his imprisonment, supporters organized by the right-wing youth group Freedom University are gathering at rallies, often displaying photos of Yoon near Seoul's Gwanghwamun gate. The group, led by 24-year-old student Park Joon-young, opposes what they see as corrupt left-wing governments that have failed the youth.
Yoon declared martial law last December in an attempt to stop his political defeat, accusing opponents of election rigging by North Korean supporters and Chinese spies. His order was quickly overturned by large protests and lawmakers, leading to his impeachment and criminal trial.
Though once unpopular, Yoon has become a symbol of rebellion for the growing right-wing youth movement. Park Joon-young said, "When Yoon was elected, it wasn’t so much that we were happy to see a right-wing candidate win. It was more that a left-wing candidate lost."
Freedom University uses social media to spread its message of "Korea for Koreans" and anti-Chinese sentiments. Their rallies feature banners reading "Make Korea Great Again" and comparisons to the American MAGA movement. Their videos, especially anti-Chinese protests in areas like Seoul’s Myeongdong, have gained wide attention, prompting government warnings about hate speech.
Young South Koreans face a tough economic future, with low home ownership and stagnant wages despite high education levels. Many feel ignored by the current Democratic Party government. Psychologist Kim Hyun Soo warns of growing division unless new hope is offered to the youth.
At a recent rally, 24-year-old Kim Ji-min said, "I was nervous and scared at first. But it feels nice after seeing many other young and like-minded people." The group’s rise taps into youth frustration and the desire for change amid political turmoil.
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Tags:
South korea
Yoon Suk Yeol
Freedom University
Right-Wing Youth
Martial Law
Youth Politics
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