Caught Between Election Conspiracies and Political Standstill

In the heart of Seoul, temperatures aren't the only thing dipping this January. Political tensions are rising as thousands crowd the streets, waving flags and shouting support for the impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. At the core of this unrest is a growing belief among conservatives that the elections were rigged, thanks in large part to right-wing YouTubers who paint Yoon as a victim of leftist conspiracies. Yoon’s detainment for potential rebellion charges has further fueled these beliefs. Signs at pro-Yoon rallies read, “Out with fraudulent elections and a fake National Assembly! ” echoing similar slogans used during the U. S. Capitol attack in 2021. Yoon himself has repeatedly referenced these conspiracy theories in his attacks on election officials. The president’s close ties to these YouTubers have raised concerns, especially after his declaration of martial law in December. Despite the move being lifted, the actions have revealed deep ideological divides and the popularity of conspiracy theories among mainstream conservatives.

Politicians like Kim Min-jeon from the People Power Party are frequently seen at these rallies, defending Yoon’s actions. The recent rise in approval ratings for Yoon and his party since the imposition of martial law has emboldened conservatives. Political experts warn that these false claims could erode trust in future elections. “Parties are using conspiracy theories not to attack each other but to destroy each other, ” says Jinman Cho, a politics professor in Seoul. On the night martial law was declared, heavily armed soldiers were deployed near the National Election Commission. Prosecutors’ indictments reveal plans to arrest NEC officials and seize evidence of election fraud, though these claims remain unsubstantiated. Yoon’s lawyers insist the president is committed to addressing concerns about the NEC’s operations. However, past investigations have found no evidence of election fraud, and the notion of a widespread fraud system operated by the NEC is unfounded. Despite the lack of evidence, the president maintains that these claims cannot be dismissed as mere conspiracy theories, leaving the public to grapple with uncertainty and suspicion.

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