Guardian: Why are Yoon supporters in South Korea flying US flags?
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Yoon's supporters, who accuse their political rivals of being aligned with the DPRK, openly celebrate the US as a symbol of democracy.
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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
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.
