On the afternoon of January 16, two days after President Yoon Suk-yeol was arrested by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials on charges of leading an insurrection, YouTubers were filming a rally held by his supporters outside the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, April 6 (Korea Bizwire) — In the aftermath of former President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment earlier this year, a faction of his staunch supporters has turned against South Korea’s mainstream media, embracing conspiracy theories and fringe platforms as primary sources of information.
These supporters, whose political fervor transcends traditional left-right divisions, have vilified journalists at public gatherings, frequently shouting slurs such as “Go back to North Korea” or accusing reporters of being “Chinese agents.”
At rallies, they have called for a boycott of all established media and have at times incited physical confrontations. During the chaotic intrusion into the Western District Court last month, several reporters were assaulted and investigations are now underway.
As trust in conventional news outlets eroded, many Yoon loyalists migrated to YouTube, where sensational and unverified content thrives. Videos falsely claiming that “martial law forces arrested 99 Chinese spies at a national election training center” circulate widely, reinforcing pre-existing biases and deepening political polarization. The platform’s monetization model only amplifies the problem: creators profit from viral engagement, regardless of accuracy.
One prominent YouTuber baselessly alleged that K-pop stars IU and NewJeans were connected to an election-machine cartel supporting both Chinese interests and Yoon’s impeachment. Viewers lauded the video’s “airtight logic” and rewarded the creator with cash donations via the platform’s Super Chat feature.
At rallies, YouTubers often livestream from the scene, sometimes disrupting opposing gatherings in pursuit of views and donations. One well-known figure, who wore a Captain America costume to court public attention, was recently jailed for storming a police station.
The movement has also evolved beyond digital commentary. Some influencers are now founding their own media outlets, seeking to supplant legacy journalism entirely. History lecturer Jeon Han-gil launched his own online publication, Jeon Han-gil News, in March.
Meanwhile, Shin Hye-sik, host of the far-right channel God’s Wisdom, announced the revival of the long-defunct Independent Newspaper and began recruiting a “citizen reporter corps,” reportedly attracting over 1,000 applicants.
Analysts suggest this media insurgency could play a significant role in shaping conservative discourse ahead of the anticipated early presidential election in 2026. By disseminating partisan narratives in the guise of news, these figures may seek to influence both public opinion and voter behavior.
“Though the impeachment saga has formally ended, the upcoming presidential election presents another lucrative opportunity,” said Yoo Hyun-jae, a professor of communications at Sogang University. “Political drama continues to be their primary source of content and income.”
Still, some experts believe the momentum may fade. With the impeachment process concluded and public attention waning, the fervor could subside—at least temporarily.
“YouTube thrives on ideological division,” said Lee Chang-hyun, a media studies professor at Kookmin University. “But with political fatigue setting in, we may see a cooling-off period, even among the most vocal of these creators.”
As South Korea inches toward another pivotal election cycle, the battle over truth, media, and political legitimacy appears far from over.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
