Resurgence of Right-Wing Sentiment Among South Korean Youth

Sat Dec 20 2025 05:09:12 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A new right-wing youth movement in South Korea, inspired by the Martial Law declarations of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, is drawing young people disillusioned by the current government and economic challenges.

In South Korea, a burgeoning right-wing group called Freedom University is attracting disenchanted youth, rallying around the figure of imprisoned former President Yoon Suk Yeol. As economic dissatisfaction grows among younger generations, the group’s provocative rallies and right-aligned messaging echo themes reminiscent of the American MAGA movement, emphasizing nationalism and a pushback against perceived leftist policies. This shift marks a significant political and social development in a country struggling with generational disillusionment.

The line for a selfie with South Korea's disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol stretched around Seoul's iconic Gwanghwamun gate.

Except Yoon wasn't there; it was just a picture of him. The real Yoon is in prison facing insurrection charges. But that didn't matter to the thousands of excited young men and women who had joined the rally organised by right-wing youth group Freedom University.

Spearheaded by 24-year-old student Park Joon-young, Freedom University opposes what it sees as a status quo of corrupt, left-wing South Korean governments promising much but delivering little, especially for the nation's youth.

And in Yoon, they have found an unlikely hero.

On the night of 3 December last year, Yoon launched a desperate bid to reverse his fortunes by declaring martial law. Yoon's move was defeated within hours as furious South Koreans rallied, resulting in his impeachment soon after. However, to some, he has also become a martyr.

While he was never a popular president, Yoon has since his imprisonment turned into a symbol for rebellion among disillusioned youth. Park states, In seeing Yoon's attempts to counteract a corrupt political landscape, some young people find their identities entwined with his defiance. His acknowledgment of the failures of the Democratic Party resonates strongly with a generation feeling economically constricted and disenfranchised.

Various participants shared sentiments of feeling abandoned by the current government as they rallied for Freedom University. The movement, rapidly gaining traction across universities, highlights anti-Chinese sentiment as part of its manifesto, reminiscent of the MAGA slogan, Make Korea Great Again. Despite the group accounting for a fraction of the national sentiment, the growing polarization in South Korea is evident.

Leading members emphasize their desire for empowerment and the creation of spaces for debate, drawing their motivation from American rightist ideology. However, they face significant opposition, and the government's attempts to counter disinformation and hate speech signify the highly contentious atmosphere surrounding this political movement.

The issues of economic stability and generational disenfranchisement have compounded as many young South Koreans suffer under low income levels and high housing costs, further fueling the right-wing narrative.

As South Korea grapples with internal challenges and external influences, the right-wing movement's ability to galvanize youth is poised to reshape the nation's political landscape. With mobility on social media platforms translating into real-world rallies, Freedom University showcases an evolving narrative that addresses both grievances and aspirations voiced by the youth.