South Korean Right-Wing Youth Group Gains Traction Amidst Political Polarization
A right-wing youth group known as Freedom University is attracting a growing number of young South Koreans. This movement has emerged in connection with former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is currently imprisoned.
Emergence of Freedom University
At a rally near Seoul's Gwanghwamun gate, attendees formed long lines for photographs featuring former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was represented by an image. Yoon is currently imprisoned and facing insurrection charges. Thousands of young individuals participated in this event, organized by Freedom University.
Led by 24-year-old student Park Joon-young, Freedom University expresses opposition to what it identifies as a prevailing system of left-leaning South Korean governments. The group asserts these governments have failed to address the needs of the nation's youth. Former President Yoon Suk Yeol has become a symbolic figure for the movement.
Yoon Suk Yeol's Martial Law Declaration
On December 3 of the previous year, former President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law after his party lost its parliamentary majority. He directed military personnel to parliament and the national election commission, citing, without presenting evidence, threats from alleged North Korean sympathizers and Chinese spies involved in electoral conspiracy.
This declaration was overturned within hours following public rallies and legislative action. Citizens reportedly obstructed soldiers, and lawmakers entered the National Assembly, in some cases by scaling walls, to vote against the order. Yoon was subsequently impeached and is currently on trial, facing a potential life sentence. While these events were widely viewed as the end of his political career, some individuals have since regarded him as a martyr.
Perceptions and Ideology
Although Yoon had not maintained high popularity during his presidency, particularly among younger South Koreans, his imprisonment has transformed him into a symbol of defiance for some youth who perceive themselves as marginalized. Park Joon-young stated that initial support for Yoon's election among his peers was more a reaction to the defeat of a left-wing candidate than enthusiasm for a right-wing victory. He noted that many members of his group did not support Yoon's performance while in office. However, Park cited Yoon's martial law declaration, during which he accused the Democratic Party of 'abusing its power, passing absurd bills and cutting budget for youth policy,' as a factor that galvanized their current support.
Hyung Ki-sang, 28, a participant in pro-Yoon rallies since the martial law declaration, cited a long-standing perception that political parties have not addressed his concerns. His decision to join the rallies, also organized by Freedom University, followed his observation of Yoon's claims of election rigging and related content on YouTube.
Freedom University expanded its presence across universities last year, advocating against Yoon's impeachment. The group has seen rapid growth, attracting thousands to its rallies through social media outreach. Its core principles, displayed on banners and signs, include "Korea for Koreans" and "Chinese Communist Party out!" The movement also draws inspiration from the American 'Make America Great Again' (Maga) movement, with signs referencing phrases like 'Make Korea Great Again' and 'We are Charlie Kirk,' a reference to an American political commentator. While recent polling indicates that approximately 27% of the Korean public aligns with Freedom University's perspective on Yoon, the group's emergence reflects increasing political polarization in South Korea.
Movement's Development and Outreach
Park Joon-young stated that his initial shift towards right-wing views stemmed from a reaction against what he perceived as dominant left-wing influences. He noted that his father held a leadership position at a television network often described as left-leaning, and his mother served as an aide to former President Moon Jae-in, who is associated with left-wing politics. Park also mentioned that his mother and sister, identified as outspoken feminists, had attempted to convey their ideology to him. He reported questioning his family's political stance during the #MeToo movement and subsequently encountered right-wing perspectives online. Park views the American right as a source of inspiration.
Park stated that he was frequently labeled as "extreme right" and faced significant social repercussions in Korea. He contrasted this with the United States, citing figures like Charlie Kirk and the Maga movement as examples of individuals who articulate their messages openly. Park articulated the group's aim to establish a platform for open debate. He has denied characterizations of himself and Freedom University as "far right." Park identified "Korea is for Koreans" as the group's most impactful message. This message is frequently presented alongside allegations concerning Chinese immigrants, including unproven and disputed claims of ballot manipulation and assaults on Koreans. The South Korean government has issued strong refutations of these claims. Freedom University interprets President Lee Jae Myung's initiatives to improve relations between Seoul and Beijing as evidence that the current government is subordinate to China.
Park indicated that he primarily utilizes social media platforms popular among young demographics to disseminate the group's message. Initially, he focused on EveryTime, a Korean online forum for university students, before shifting to viral short-form videos distributed on Instagram, Threads, and YouTube.
Public and Political Response
In September, Freedom University attracted attention following a march through Seoul's Myeongdong district, an area frequented by Chinese tourists and where the Chinese embassy is located. Videos of the march, featuring protesters chanting anti-Chinese slurs, have circulated widely online. President Lee Jae Myung has described disinformation and hate speech as having reached a critical level and has instructed his government to implement criminal penalties for such actions. Freedom University's message has gained traction within South Korea, a country where anti-Chinese sentiment is prevalent and whose population consistently ranks among the least favorable towards China globally. The message has also connected with South Korean youth, many of whom express dissatisfaction with the economic situation and their future outlook.
Youth Disenchantment and Economic Factors
A recent national survey indicates that young South Koreans exhibit the highest level of pessimism regarding their nation's future. Approximately 75% of young respondents view the economy as performing poorly, in contrast to about 50% of the parental generation who hold a positive economic outlook. South Korea's economic growth has been in the range of 1-2% since the pandemic. Factors such as global trade disputes and increased competition from China have contributed to economic pressure on young South Koreans. Home ownership rates for younger generations are currently at their lowest recorded level. Despite South Korea's high education attainment rates, the median monthly income is approximately $1,600.
Kim Hyun Soo, a youth psychiatrist and author, suggests that many young individuals harbor significant grievances against the Democratic Party, which has been a dominant political force for the past decade but is perceived as having underperformed on economic commitments. Kim stated, "Their largest grievances are really the lack of housing and employment." Economic challenges, combined with an active online culture and gender dynamics, are identified as factors contributing to the recruitment potential for groups such as Freedom University.
Polling also indicates that individuals under 30 are less critical of Yoon's martial law declaration, with only half believing he is guilty of insurrection. Bae Jang-won, 26, attending a Freedom University rally, commented, "The policies put forth by this government, they are absurd. They are not good for the youth. It's so natural that the youth are speaking up now," expressing the group's view on current government policies.