'We will unite with Kim Jong Un': Conspiracies grip South Korea

On a cold January afternoon, a young pharmacy student named Shin Jeong-min found herself anxiously waiting outside South Korea's Constitutional Court. She was there to support the suspended president, Yoon Suk Yeol, who was facing impeachment. As Yoon entered the court, Jeong-min joined hundreds of other supporters, chanting slogans demanding his release and the cancellation of his impeachment. They believed that if Yoon were to be removed from office, it would lead to a dangerous unification with North Korea and its leader, Kim Jong Un. This theory has gained traction among Yoon's most fervent supporters, who fear that the left-leaning opposition party aims to turn South Korea into a communist state. At just 22 years old, Jeong-min stands out among the older generations of Koreans, who have long harbored fears and animosity towards North Korea. Most of these older individuals, now in their 60s and 70s, lived through the Cold War and remember the painful consequences of North Korea's invasion during the 1950s. When Yoon attempted to impose martial law in early December, he capitalized on these fears to justify his actions. He claimed, without providing evidence, that 'North Korean communist forces' had infiltrated the opposition party and were plotting to overthrow the government. He insisted that these forces needed to be 'eradicated' and swiftly moved to ban political activities and place the military in charge. Two months after his failed coup, an anti-communist fervor has taken hold among Yoon's supporters, both young and old. Even those who had previously given little thought to North Korea or communism are now convinced that their vibrant democracy is on the verge of being transformed into a leftist dictatorship. They believe that Yoon had no choice but to curtail democratic rights to protect them from threats posed by both Pyongyang and Beijing. One office worker in his 40s, who had taken time off work to join the protest, declared, 'This is a war between communism and democracy. ' Another supporter in his 30s argued passionately that Yoon must be reinstated immediately, claiming, 'He's going to arrest all the North Korean spies. ' These fears are not unfounded; during the 1960s and 70s, North Korean spies frequently attempted to infiltrate the South Korean government. In 1968, a group of North Korean commandos even crossed the border with the intent to assassinate then-President Park Chung-hee. The scars of that era still linger in the memories of many South Koreans. In the 1980s, as South Korea's military dictatorship began to wane, a radical far-left student movement emerged, praising North Korea's political system. Those who supported this movement were labeled as regime 'sympathizers. ' It was common for authoritarian leaders to accuse their political opponents of being North Korean conspirators. Many of Yoon's supporters now believe that the opposition party seeks to unify with the North and transform South Korea into a communist nation. A sociology professor at Chungang University noted that anti-communism became the prevailing ideology during South Korea's military dictatorships, which used it to control society and justify the restriction of individual freedoms. Today, however, the threats posed by North Korea have evolved. The real danger now lies in North Korea's nuclear capabilities and advanced cyber-hacking skills. Most South Koreans do not aspire to live under the oppressive regime of the North. The political divide in South Korea is primarily centered around how to address the challenges posed by their northern neighbor. Yoon's conservative People Power Party advocates for a strategy of military superiority to intimidate North Korea, while the left-leaning Democratic Party favors engagement and dialogue, believing that peaceful coexistence is possible. Critics have accused Yoon of exploiting historical fears to consolidate his power. A sociology professor pointed out that Yoon's rhetoric closely resembles that of past dictators, and he is the first president to employ anti-communist ideology so openly since South Korea transitioned to democracy in 1987. Yoon has not only accused the opposition, led by the Democratic Party, of harboring sympathizers for Pyongyang but has also suggested that North Korea, with assistance from China, manipulated last year's parliamentary elections. A Democratic Party lawmaker dismissed these claims as 'fake news' designed to vilify the opposition and justify Yoon's undemocratic actions. He emphasized that the opposition has a long history of fighting for democracy and freedom in Korea. In the past, such ideas were propagated by extreme conservative groups, but now, with Yoon as president, many people are beginning to accept these narratives. This shift was evident at a recent pro-Yoon rally, where attendees expressed that Yoon had changed their perspectives. One man admitted, 'At first, I didn't support Yoon, but martial law opened my eyes. ' Another woman shared that she had previously doubted claims of Chinese interference in the election but had since researched the issue and concluded that it was true. Yoon's supporters often reference real events, such as the previous Democratic Party president's meetings with Kim Jong Un, as evidence of a larger conspiracy. The sociology professor noted that the belief in a Chinese election rigging conspiracy is gaining traction, which poses a significant threat to the foundation of democracy. As Yoon's unsubstantiated claims take hold, his support appears to be growing, even though a majority of South Koreans still desire his removal from office. The percentage of people wanting him out has decreased since the martial law declaration, indicating a shift in public sentiment. Yoon's anti-communist rhetoric has also tapped into a growing distrust of China. Many supporters now view China as a threat, believing it is attempting to manipulate South Korea's political landscape. At a recent rally, some supporters replaced their 'Stop the Steal' placards with ones that read 'Chinese Communist Party OUT. ' A 66-year-old supporter expressed his belief that China is interfering in all of South Korea's political affairs, stating, 'It's pulling the strings behind the scenes. ' According to a polling expert, a significant portion of the public now believes that China aims to turn South Korea into a vassal state. For younger South Koreans in their 20s and 30s, who have not experienced direct threats from North Korea, China appears to be a more credible danger. A political scientist explained that young people feel resentful about their struggles to find jobs and afford housing, and they perceive communism as a convenient scapegoat for their frustrations. This narrative is amplified by far-right YouTube channels that resonate with young men. One young IT developer at a rally expressed his concerns, stating, 'North Korea and China are my biggest worries. ' He admitted that he used to hold leftist views but changed his perspective after researching the issues online. Despite the rise of extreme views, an opposition politician remains confident that the majority of people understand the truth and yearn for a return to normalcy. However, a polling expert warned that Yoon's supporters are growing like a 'fast-growing cult,' and the president's actions are likely to have lasting effects on Korean society.