South Korea’s Political Crisis: How Yoon Suk Yeol’s Downfall Deepened a National Divide

Hadisur Rahman, Jadetimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

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Image Source: Getty Image

A Nation in Shock: The Fall of President Yoon Suk Yeol

In early 2025, South Korea found itself in the midst of a political storm. Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was officially impeached by the Constitutional Court a decision that triggered emotional protests across the country. His supporters, many of whom had gathered outside his residence, were devastated.

One 64-year-old protester told BBC Korean, “It’s so unfair,” voicing a sentiment shared by thousands.

Martial Law and the Collapse of Trust

The controversy began in December 2024, when Yoon declared martial law, a shocking move that critics called undemocratic. Although Yoon claimed it was necessary to prevent what he described as a pro North Korean threat within the opposition, this action cost him the trust of many citizens.

However, among his loyal base, this only strengthened his image as a misunderstood patriot, someone willing to risk everything for national security.

YouTube: The New Battlefield for Political Influence

What’s particularly striking about this political drama is the role played by right-wing YouTubers. Platforms like Young Perspective and A Stroke of Genius have become hubs of conservative outrage, drawing millions of viewers. They echo narratives of electoral fraud, foreign interference, and political persecution.

These videos have amplified the belief that Yoon was a victim, not a villain. Even more worrying, they’ve helped radicalize segments of the population, particularly young men and older conservative voters.

Violence Spills Into the Streets

The tension didn’t remain online. Supporters of Yoon stormed a Seoul courthouse in January, injuring police officers and wielding metal beams. Protesters carried signs like "Stop the Steal," a phrase borrowed from Donald Trump supporters in the US.

Tragically, one elderly man even set himself on fire near City Hall, leaving behind fliers accusing opposition leaders of turning South Korea toward communism.

A Party Torn in Two: The Collapse of Conservative Unity

While Yoon still commands fierce loyalty from his base, conservatives are deeply divided. Some PPP (People Power Party) lawmakers supported his impeachment, leading to public backlash and online attacks. One lawmaker asked, “Why are people worshipping him like a king?”

Others warn that the right is becoming ungovernable, manipulated by YouTube influencers rather than guided by rational policy.

What Does This Mean for South Korea’s Future?

Now, South Korea finds itself at a political crossroads. The pro Yoon movement has evolved into a larger-than-life narrative, with Yoon rebranded as a martyr who sacrificed himself for democracy. Meanwhile, the opposition remains powerful but increasingly polarizing.

And as both right-wing and left-wing YouTubers push more extreme narratives, South Korean society is becoming more fractured than ever.

A Nation Divided, A Democracy Tested

From viral videos to violent protests, Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment has left a lasting scar on South Korea’s political fabric. The rise of populism, media mistrust, and fringe narratives signals a deeper problem, one that won’t be fixed by elections alone.

This is what we get to know from this article: the digital age isn’t just transforming how people consume new,s it’s reshaping how democracies function, and South Korea is now a front-row example of that change.