South Korea’s political landscape has been upended by the rise of the “Stop the Steal” movement, a campaign fueled by supporters of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. Yoon’s brief declaration of martial law in December 2024, a move that stunned the nation and recalled its authoritarian past, led to his impeachment and arrest on insurrection charges in January 2025. His backers, however, have rallied under the banner of “Stop the Steal”—a slogan lifted from U.S. political rhetoric—to challenge his legal fate and assert unsubstantiated claims of electoral fraud in the 2024 parliamentary elections.
Yoon’s martial law decree, enacted on December 3, 2024, lasted mere hours before the National Assembly overturned it. The backlash was swift: lawmakers impeached him, and by January 2025, he was arrested. The charges—insurrection and abuse of power—stemmed from his attempt to deploy the military to suspend civilian rule. For many South Koreans, this evoked memories of the country’s dictatorial era, deepening public outrage. Yet, Yoon’s supporters see him as a victim of political persecution, framing his ouster as an undemocratic “steal” of power.
The “Stop the Steal” movement gained traction in January 2025, with protests erupting outside Yoon’s residence as authorities moved to detain him. Demonstrators wielded signs in English proclaiming “Stop the Steal” and waved American flags, signaling the influence of global political currents. By March 2025, the “white skull squad,” a far-right group echoing a name from South Korea’s authoritarian past, emerged as a key player. This faction escalated tensions by calling for U.S. intervention and brandishing “Stop the Steal” flags, amplifying the movement’s international resonance.
Despite its fervor, the movement has stirred debate. Allegations of election fraud and foreign meddling—some pointing to North Korea or China—lack credible evidence, fueling skepticism among critics. This divide mirrors South Korea’s broader political rift, with the Constitutional Court’s ongoing deliberation over Yoon’s impeachment adding uncertainty.
The “Stop the Steal” movement underscores the fragility of South Korea’s democratic institutions and the growing reach of transnational political narratives. As protests persist into 2025, its impact on the nation’s stability remains profound, marking a pivotal moment in its modern history.
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