Conspiracy theories fuel political unrest in South Korea as Yoon's supporters fear communist takeover

Yoon Suk Yeol

In January, pharmacy student Shin Jeong-min joined hundreds of protesters outside South Korea’s Constitutional Court, rallying behind suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol. Many fear that if Yoon is impeached, South Korea will unite with North Korea under Kim Jong Un, a theory popular among his most ardent supporters. This claim, that the left-wing opposition party seeks to turn South Korea into a communist state, has taken root in Yoon's base, especially among older South Koreans who lived through the Korean War, as reported by the BBC.

Anti-communist rhetoric and its impact

Yoon has fuelled these fears, especially after his failed attempt to impose martial law in December. He accused the opposition of being infiltrated by "North Korean communist forces" and moved to suppress political activities in the name of protecting democracy. While these claims have historical roots in South Korea’s anti-communist past, they now dominate the rhetoric of Yoon's supporters, both young and old. Many are now convinced that their democracy is at risk of becoming a communist dictatorship, according to the BBC.

Fears rooted in the Cold War era

For decades, anti-communism shaped South Korean politics. During the Cold War, fears of North Korean infiltration were real, with incidents like the 1968 assassination attempt on President Park Chung-hee. However, these fears have faded as North Korea’s nuclear threats have become the main concern. Despite this, Yoon's administration continues to tap into these historical anxieties, accusing the opposition of ties to Pyongyang, even claiming the 2020 elections were rigged with North Korean and Chinese involvement.

Growing support for extreme views

Yoon’s rhetoric has gained traction, with even those who previously dismissed such views now supporting his claims. Far-right YouTube channels, popular among young South Koreans, have amplified the fear of leftist forces and Chinese influence, leading some to believe that martial law was necessary to protect the country. A growing number of South Koreans, especially younger generations facing economic hardships, are embracing these conspiracy theories.

A divided future for South Korea

While many South Koreans still oppose Yoon’s rhetoric, others have bought into his narrative of a looming communist takeover. Polling expert Lee Sangsin warns that the impact of Yoon’s divisive rhetoric will have a long-lasting effect on South Korean society, potentially creating a “fast-growing cult” of supporters and further polarizing the nation.