Major foreign media "conspiracy theory encourages South Korea's political crisis"

Major foreign media have blamed chronic polarization and online instigation on South Korea's political chaos surrounding President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is accused of rebellion.

In a commentary on the situation in Korea, the New York Times (NYT) said, "If there is a movement behind U.S. President-elect Trump to make the U.S. great again, there is a 'Taegeukgi Unit' for President Yoon."

At the same time, President Yoon and right-wing YouTubers claim that the results of South Korea's elections are unreliable, and in fact, President Yoon put soldiers into the Central Election Commission to investigate allegations of fraudulent elections when martial law was declared.

"Koreans generally regard such conspiracy theories as nothing more than online incitement, but amid deep-rooted political polarization, right-wing YouTubers have stoked confusion, sending enthusiastic believers to the streets," the New York Times reported.

Citing a survey conducted by the Korea Press Foundation in 2022, it also pointed out that in South Korea, more than half of Koreans consume news through YouTube, far above the average of 30% in 46 countries around the world.

AFP also assessed that supporters of President Yoon, who camped in front of the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, are repeating "ambiguous conspiracy theories."

AFP reported that even while the National Assembly impeached President Yoon, a small group of YouTubers tried to protect him.

The Sunday Times, a Sunday edition of The Times, said, "There is a fierce division outside the presidential residence in Seoul every day. The six-hour confrontation over President Yoon's arrest reminded us of how uncertain the future of Korea is still."