Make Korea Great Again: The Right-Wing Group Wooing Disenchanted Youth
Many young South Koreans disillusioned with their government are drawing inspiration from the right-wing Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement in the U.S. A striking scene unfolded recently at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Gate, where a long line formed for selfies with a picture of the nation’s disgraced former President, Yoon Suk Yeol. With Yoon currently in prison on insurrection charges, the enthusiasm from the thousands of attendees rallied by the right-wing group Freedom University was palpable.
Freedom University and its Right-Wing Ideals
Led by 24-year-old student Park Joon-young, Freedom University positions itself against what they perceive as a corrupt, leftist political establishment that has failed South Korea’s youth. Park argues that Yoon has become an unlikely symbol of resistance for young people feeling abandoned by the current political climate.
– On December 3, 2022, Yoon attempted to declare martial law in a frantic effort to regain power after losing his parliamentary majority.
– He ordered troops into the National Assembly, alleging without evidence that North Korean sympathizers and Chinese spies aimed to manipulate elections.
– His attempts were swiftly quashed as citizens protested, preventing soldiers from advancing, which ultimately led to Yoon’s impeachment.
Although Yoon was never popular, especially among younger South Koreans, his current status has transformed him into a martyr-like figure. Park states, When Yoon was elected, it wasn’t so much joy for a right-wing candidate but relief over a left-wing loss.
Youth Disenfranchisement and Political Reaction
Hyung Ki-sang, 28, began attending pro-Yoon rallies after feeling ignored by political parties for years. Reports of rigged elections and viral YouTube videos reinforced his beliefs, propelling him to join Freedom University’s cause. Here are some key points:
– The group has rapidly mobilized across universities, leveraging aggressive social media campaigns to draw thousands to its rallies.
– Their mottos, such as Korea for Koreans and Chinese Communist Party out! resonate with many who are disillusioned.
– Some rally signs even echo the American right’s themes, showcasing a growing alignment with the MAGA sentiment, including slogans like Make Korea Great Again.
Despite only about 27% of the general population supporting their views, the polarization reflects a deeper societal divide.
The Growth of Freedom University amidst Economic Challenges
Park’s shift towards right-wing ideologies can be traced to a backlash against leftist influences in his life—his father was a chief at a left-leaning TV network, and his family espouses feminist ideologies. Exposed to right-wing perspectives online, he views the American movement as a model for free expression.
– He stresses the need for platforms that allow discussions without fear of being ‘canceled.’
– The group’s simplistic yet powerful message resonates deeply within a youth grappling with dire economic prospects.
Many young South Koreans express concerns regarding their futures, with recent surveys indicating that nearly 75% believe the economy is in disarray:
– Homeownership for this generation is at an all-time low.
– The country’s economic growth has stagnated between 1-2% since the pandemic.
– Young people’s median monthly income hovers around $1,600, even as they face increasing inflation and housing difficulties.
A Call for Hope in a Polarized Landscape
Youth psychiatrist Kim Hyun Soo indicates that many hold deep-seated grudges against the ruling Democratic Party, which has struggled to keep economic promises. He emphasizes the urgent need for new visions to steer youth away from extreme movements:
– The policies of this government are not beneficial for the youth. It’s natural for them to speak out now, states 26-year-old Bae Jang-won at a Freedom University rally.
As youth like Kim Ji-min, 24, express their frustration and join these gatherings—some for the first time—there’s a palpable sense of community. The fringes of South Korea’s political landscape are making strides toward visibility, but experts caution that without offering hope and alternatives, the youth will increasingly gravitate towards movements like Freedom University.
In conclusion, the rise of right-wing groups in South Korea, especially among disenchanted youth, showcases the shifting political landscape as society grapples with economic stagnation and polarization. As they echo the cries of movements like Make America Great Again, the potential for significant political change looms on the horizon, driven by a generation seeking a new narrative for their future.