A right-wing youth movement in South Korea, inspired by the American MAGA campaign, is rallying disillusioned young people around imprisoned former President Yoon Suk Yeol, underscoring rising political and social tensions in the country.
The group, known as Freedom University and led by 24-year-old Park Joon-young, has organized protests drawing thousands of attendees, where supporters eagerly queue for selfies with images of Yoon. He is currently on trial for insurrection after declaring martial law in December last year, a move that saw him order troops into parliament and the election commission amid baseless claims of election fraud by North Korean sympathizers and Chinese spies. The declaration was swiftly defeated by public resistance and legislative action, leading to his impeachment and potential life imprisonment, yet it has paradoxically elevated him to a symbol of defiance for many youth.
Park explains that while Yoon was unpopular in office, his accusations against the ruling Democratic Party for cutting youth policy budgets and abusing power resonated with young South Koreans who feel neglected by the political establishment. This sentiment is echoed by followers like Hyung Ki-sang, who joined protests after watching online videos alleging rigged elections, highlighting how digital platforms fuel their mobilization.
Freedom University’s ideology is prominently displayed in slogans such as “Korea for Koreans” and “Make Korea Great Again,” directly borrowing from the American right’s playbook. The group actively uses social media, including Instagram and YouTube, to spread anti-Chinese messages and unproven claims about immigrant misconduct, which have gone viral and drawn government criticism for hate speech.
Economic discontent is a primary driver of this movement, with surveys indicating that nearly 75% of young South Koreans view the economy poorly, compared to 50% of older generations. Stagnant growth since the pandemic, low home ownership rates, and median monthly incomes around $1,600 create fertile ground for recruitment, as youth grapple with dim prospects despite high education levels.
The rise of Freedom University reflects deeper polarization in South Korean society, where only about 27% of the public agrees with their pro-Yoon stance. It taps into widespread Sinophobia and skepticism toward President Lee Jae Myung’s efforts to improve relations with China, portraying his administration as subservient to Beijing.
Experts, like youth psychiatrist Kim Hyun Soo, warn that without offering new economic visions and hope, such movements could intensify societal divisions. The government has responded by proposing laws to criminalize disinformation and hate speech, aiming to curb the group’s influence.
At rallies, participants like Kim Ji-min, attending his first political event, express initial fear but find solace in community with like-minded peers, signaling a shift toward more active engagement among previously disengaged youth. This trend suggests that unless underlying grievances are addressed, South Korea may see further fragmentation along ideological lines.
