Save South Korea From Chinese Influence
On December 3, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared nationwide martial law, citing "anti-state forces threatening the democratic system" as justification, in an attempt to suppress domestic opposition. However, this decision was swiftly overturned by the National Assembly within just five and a half hours. The move triggered widespread upheaval in South Korean society, and Yoon was subsequently accused of "insurrection." On January 15, 2025, following intense confrontations, South Korean police and anti-corruption authorities breached the defenses of his official residence and arrested him, marking him the first sitting president in South Korea's constitutional history to be detained on criminal charges.
It has been noted that Yoon's overtly pro-U.S. policies posed a threat to Beijing's long-term strategy of cultivating a pro-China faction in South Korea (Republic of Korea, ROK), encroaching on CCP interests and making him a target in the broader U.S.-China rivalry. [1]
On December 21, 2024, massive rallies were organized to oppose the impeachment of the president. Nevertheless, the Save Korea/anti-impeachment rallies were downplayed by the international and Korean media. It is worth noting that pro-impeachment protests were rather small compared to the Save Korea/anti-impeachment rallies.
Eastasiaresearch.org, which specializes in Korean politics, reported that Korean people came out to the streets not only to oppose the impeachment of President Yoon, but also to address several important concerns, such as "stopping deep-rooted Chinese influence," [2] "stopping deep-rooted North Korean influence," condemn the "behavior of the leftist Democratic Party of Korea (DPK)-dominated National Assembly, which has weaponized the legislative branch's lawmaking power," and "investigating and revealing the truth about election fraud," among others. [3]
It is worth noting that lawmakers voted to impeach President Yoon on December 14, but it is the constitutional court that will decide on the matter. If the constitutional court votes in favor of impeachment, President Yoon will be removed from office and South Korea will have to hold presidential elections within 60 days. [4]
South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol
Save Korea/Anti-impeachment rally, December 21, 2024.
Save Korea/Anti-impeachment rally, December 21, 2024.
Save Korea/Anti-impeachment rally, December 21, 2024.
Save Korea/Anti-impeachment rally, December 21, 2024.
Pro-impeachment rally, December 21, 2024. It is worth noting that pro-impeachment protests were rather small compared to the Save Korea/anti-impeachment rallies.
Renowned North Korean Defector And Human Rights Activist Jihyun Park: "I Oppose The Impeachment Of President Yoon Seok-yeol In Order To Protect The Values Of Freedom, Democracy And The Stability Of South Korea"
Commenting on the impeachment of President Yoon, renowned North Korean defector and human rights activist, Jihyun Park, stated: "Currently, South Korean society is divided into 'pro-Yoon' and 'anti-Yoon' groups. While there are those who advocate impeachment amid this division, I oppose the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol in order to protect the values of freedom, democracy and the stability of South Korea.
"In particular, the Yoon Seok-yeol government is the one that clearly distinguishes North Korea as a totalitarian dictatorship and is fighting against it. The Yoon Seok-yeol government has established the 'North Korean Defectors' Day,' has informed the international community of human rights [violations] of North Koreans and has raised its voice in criticism of the North Korean dictatorship."
She then added: "The Yoon Seok-yeol government has pursued a foreign policy that upholds important diplomatic principles internationally and strengthens the ROK-U.S.-Japan alliance. This was a measure to further strengthen the security of the country and to be more vigilant about relations with North Korea, Russia, and China, and it was an essential direction for the security of the Republic of Korea."
According to Jihyun Park, the impeachment is motivated by political purposes, and fears that the impeachment could threaten the free democratic system of the Republic of Korea and the security of the country.
Commenting on President Yoon's declaration of martial law, Jihyun Park stated: "The Constitution of the Republic of Korea stipulates that the president can declare martial law in times of emergency. This is an important authority to protect the country and its people. Considering the external threats and internal security instability that South Korea faces, I believe that the decision to declare martial law was an inevitable measure to protect the freedom and stability of the country."
She then added: "South Korea is currently in a very dangerous situation. North Korea still regards South Korea as its main enemy, and China is also carrying out various maneuvers that threaten democracy on the Korean Peninsula. For example, as Xi Jinping mentioned South Korea as a vassal state of China when he met with President Trump during his first term, China's destruction and suppression of South Korea's freedom democracy is deepening day by day. I believe that urgent measures are needed to ensure the stability of the country, as such external threats can pose a great threat to South Korea." [5]
Renowned North Korean defector and human rights activist Jihyun Park.
On March 21, 2025, the Professors for Freedom And Justice In Korea (PFJK) held a rally near the Chinese Embassy in Jung-gu, Seoul, to condemn China's interference in ROK's internal affairs. (Source: News.nate.com)
CCP's Broader Strategy Of Infiltrating And Dividing South Korean Politics
As a staunchly pro-U.S. leader, Yoon's foreign and security policies stand in stark contrast to the pro-China figures long supported and controlled by the CCP. Through overt economic cooperation, political donations, covert benefit transfers, and even illegal sexual bribery, the CCP has cultivated and coerced certain South Korean political figures over time, aiming to undermine the U.S.-South Korea alliance, weaken South Korea's strategic independence, and expand its regional influence at the expense of the U.S.
President Yoon Suk-Yeol's martial law declaration and arrest are not merely a culmination of domestic political conflict but also reflect the CCP's broader strategy of infiltrating and dividing South Korean politics through economic, cultural, and illicit means, as well as personnel exchanges. CCP's infiltration has not only disrupted South Korea's political ecosystem but also profoundly impacted the U.S.-South Korea alliance and regional security. [6]
[3] Eastasiaresearch.org/2024/12/23/anti-impeachment-save-korea-rallies-overwhelm-pro-impeachment-rallies-in-seoul, December 23, 2024.
[4] Bbc.com/news/articles/c625jkyrx6do, March 24, 2025.
[5] M.blog.naver.com/freedom88-/223802444801, March 19, 2025.
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