Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in South Lebanon: One was killed in the raid carried out by an Israeli drone on a motorcycle in the town of Yohmor al-Shaqif
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: 62 martyrs killed by IOF in Gaza since morning, including 32 aid seekers.
Reuters: More than 20 injured in Los Angeles, including four critically, after a car rammed into a crowd
NNA: A civilian was killed in a drone strike while fixing plumbing on a rooftop in Matal al-Jabal, on the outskirts of al-Khiam
Israeli media: In coordination with US, Israeli authorities approved Syrian regime plan to deploy thousands of internal security forces in Sweida to enforce ceasefire.
Al-Sharaa: We thank tribes for their stance, not all Druze can be judged for actions of a few.
Al-Sharaa: Syria not a testing field for secessionist plans.
Al-Sharaa: We laud US for role in securing ceasefire, Syrian state is only side capable of preserving country's sovereignty.
Al-Sharaa: Israeli intervention is one of reasons of return of tensions in Suweida following blatant bombing of South and Damascus.
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa: We received international calls to intervene in situation in Suweida and restore security.

Guardian: Why are Yoon supporters in South Korea flying US flags?

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: The Guardian
  • 3 Jan 2025 17:21
3 Min Read

Yoon's supporters, who accuse their political rivals of being aligned with the DPRK, openly celebrate the US as a symbol of democracy.

Listen
  • x
  • AP
    Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stage a rally to oppose a court having issued a warrant to detain Yoon in Seoul, South Korea, on Friday, January 3, 2025. (AP)

Media reports on Friday revealed significant unrest in South Korea as supporters of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol gathered near his residence. Waving both the South Korean Taegukgi and the American Stars and Stripes, the crowd demonstrated their allegiance not only to their country but also to the ideals they associate with the United States.

For many of Yoon's backers, America is more than just a strategic partner, according to Raphael Rashid, writing for The Guardian—it represents an idealized vision of freedom and democracy, rooted in shared Christian values. Holding the two flags, 74-year-old Pyeong In-su voiced his concerns, stating, "I hope after Trump's inauguration he can use his influence to help our country get back on the right track."

The rally marked a continuation of tensions that have escalated since Yoon declared martial law in December, a move he justified by alleging election interference and the presence of "pro-[DPRK], anti-state forces." His actions led to his impeachment and the issuance of an arrest warrant.

Evangelical Churches

Related News

Federal judge blocks enforcement of Trump's order on ICC

Lula slams US over visa sanctions linked to Bolsonaro trial

Yoon's supporters, who accuse their political rivals of being aligned with the DPRK, openly celebrate the US as a symbol of democracy. Their narrative often references historical events, including America's role in "liberating" Korea from Japanese colonial rule and "defending" the country during the Korean War.

Read more: DPRK citizens initiate march in remembrance of Korean war, US crimes

This sentiment is closely tied to the influence of evangelical Protestant churches in South Korea, which have become a stronghold for Yoon's most fervent supporters. Many of these churches, allegedly established by refugees fleeing the DPRK, carry an anti-communist ideology that continues to shape their political outlook. The Sarang Jeil Church, led by Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, regularly organizes rallies denouncing opposition groups as "communist forces" and calling for severe penalties against them.

Election Fraud Allegations

These demonstrations have also adopted language and strategies reminiscent of the US right-wing movement. Claims of election fraud, despite being debunked, are widely circulated within this community. At the rally, signs read "Stop The Steal" in English, and banners in Korean made unsubstantiated accusations of electoral misconduct. A Korea Research poll showed that while 65% of Yoon's People Power Party supporters believe the parliamentary elections were rigged, only 29% of the general public shares this view.

Far-right YouTube channels have amplified these allegations, creating a digital ecosystem where conspiracy theories flourish. Yoon himself has admitted to consuming content from these channels, further embedding their rhetoric into his base's worldview.

Read more: South Korea's ruling party leader resigns amid president impeachment

On New Year's Day, Yoon released a message to his supporters, reaffirming their shared mission. He declared, "forces infringing on sovereignty" must be resisted, vowing to "fight until the end." Meanwhile, his critics argue that such statements only deepen divisions in South Korea's political landscape.

  • United States
  • Yoon Suk-Yeol
  • South Korea

Most Read

Algerian nurse stabbed in Germany

Murder of Algerian nurse in Germany sparks outcry, demands for justice

  • Europe
  • 14 Jul 2025
Credible reports, including some from Israeli media itself, indicate that Tel Aviv had pinned its hopes on what can only be described as a delusional plan. (Al Mayadeen English; Illustrated by Batoul Chamas)

Jebraily: Iran strikes rewrote regional deterrence rules - Exclusive

  • MENA
  • 15 Jul 2025
Al-Qassam Brigades fighters confront Israeli soldiers in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, undated (Al-Qassam Brigades Military Media)

3 Israeli soldiers killed amid Gaza battles: Israeli media

  • Palestine
  • 14 Jul 2025
Donald Trump, the Corporate Aristocracy and the Israelization of the World

Donald Trump, the Corporate Aristocracy and the Israelization of the World

  • Opinion
  • 15 Jul 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
The US Capitol, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Washington (AP)
Politics

Congress set to weaken oversight on foreign US arms sales

Only quarter of Americans say Trump policies helped them: Poll
US & Canada

Only quarter of Americans say Trump policies helped them: Poll

UK charities fund Israeli settlement expansion in occupied West Bank
Palestine

UK charities fund Israeli settlement expansion in occupied West Bank

Calls grow to remove Netanyahu from High School hall of fame
Politics

Calls grow to remove Netanyahu from high school Hall of Fame

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS