**Yoon Suk Yeol's Exit Escalates Division in South Korea**

Yoon leaves behind a fragmented nation, as supporters rally in his defense while opposition narratives flourish.

Amidst the aftermath of former President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, South Korea finds itself in a state of heightened division. On Friday, pained supporters gathered outside Yoon’s official residence in Seoul, expressing disbelief and frustration over the Constitutional Court's ruling, which confirmed his dismissal. "I believed we would win," said a supporter named Won Bog-sil during the rally, broadcast live to thousands on YouTube—a platform that has become a rallying point for Yoon's followers.

Yoon's tenure has been characterized by controversy, especially following his unexpected declaration of martial law in December, which severely dented his public trust. However, his beleaguered supporters portray him as a martyr, fighting against an alleged corrupt opposition and clinging to conspiracy theories espoused by right-wing YouTube influencers. As the narrative goes, the martial law was purportedly essential for defending the nation against pro-North Korea elements.

The climate of unrest reached alarming heights earlier this year when a group of Yoon's supporters confronted police, resulting in violence at a courthouse—an indication of a radical fringe that has emerged from online forums into the streets. Tragically, the collective distress manifested in the self-immolation of an elderly supporter near Seoul City Hall, who left behind flyers warning of a potential communist takeover.

Even within conservative circles, Yoon's tactics have sparked debate, leading some commentators to criticize the growing extremism of his followers, often fueled by an echo chamber of online conspiracies. “He has watched too many trashy YouTube videos,” opined a columnist in Korea JoongAng Daily, reflecting concerns over the influence of biased online content on public perception.

Since Yoon's controversial martial law, support for his party, the People Power Party (PPP), has paradoxically surged despite internal dissent. While many PPP lawmakers supported Yoon's impeachment, they are now caught between the fervor of Yoon's hardcore base and their own electoral interests. A 28-year-old supporter at a pro-Yoon rally insisted on claims of electoral fraud, mirroring sentiments of disillusionment echoing within his peers.

Yoon's association with right-wing YouTubers has deepened the ideological rift shaping the political landscape; channels dedicated to Yoon's defense attract hundreds of thousands of subscribers and amplify calls for action against perceived injustices. Concurrently, left-leaning voices are mobilizing against Yoon's legacy, hinting at a pervasive polarization that extends beyond mere political affiliation.

According to Michael Breen, a Seoul-based consultant, while conservative factions have historically been fragmented, Yoon has managed to galvanize support. The Democratic Party's recent successes have exacerbated this divide within the PPP, with various factions vying for influence amidst a battle between staunch support for Yoon and calls for his removal.

"There’s a sense of martyrdom surrounding him now," remarked one pro-Yoon attendee, reflecting on the fervent loyalty Yoon has fostered. However, skepticism lingers among party members questioning the extent to which Yoon's governance has solidified ideological factions. The continuing tension raises significant concerns over the future of political discourse in South Korea, with experts warning of a potential backlash against efforts to bridge these widening divides.

The ramifications of Yoon's administration will likely resonate well beyond his presidency; as polarization deepens, the path to unity appears increasingly fraught with challenges, suggesting a new era of political discourse shaped by radical online narratives and grassroots actions.