**South Korea Faces Deepening Divisions After Yoon Suk Yeol’s Impeachment**

Amidst the backlash from Yoon's supporters, who embrace a conspiratorial narrative fueled by right-wing media, South Korea is grappling with a fragmented political landscape exacerbated by protests and violence.

As thousands rallied outside the official residence of recently impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday, emotions ran high, exemplifying the intense polarization in the nation. The Constitutional Court's decision to uphold his impeachment has ignited passionate responses from Yoon's supporters, many of whom gathered in fervent protests, claiming injustice and unfairness.

“I came here with hope in my heart, believing we would win ... It’s so unfair,” said 64-year-old Won Bog-sil, speaking to BBC Korean amidst the crowd. These protests, live-streamed on YouTube—a platform heavily utilized by Yoon’s followers—showcase not just allegiance but also the potential for increased political extremism.

Yoon's administration has seen a steep decline in public trust since his controversial declaration of martial law last December. This move, while costing him considerable support from the general population, has seemingly fortified a dedicated base who view him as a wronged hero. Many followers subscribe to narratives propagated by right-wing YouTubers—claims that martial law was a protective measure against opposition lawmakers sympathetic to North Korea, and assertions of systemic electoral fraud against Yoon.

The uprising of this fringe movement has shifted from online support to nationwide protests. Slogans mirroring the "Stop the Steal" campaign from the U.S. have emerged at these rallies, evoking sentiments reminiscent of historical disturbances. Instances of violence, such as the storming of a courthouse in Seoul and a tragic self-immolation of an elderly protestor, depict the alarming intensity that Yoon’s supporters have adopted.

The ideological rifts have surprised even conservative factions in South Korea. An op-ed in Korea JoongAng Daily criticized Yoon supporters for their excessive reliance on biased YouTube content, pointing towards a growing culture of radicalization among the right-wing populace. From the outset, Yoon had aligned himself with influential right-wing YouTubers, endorsing their narrative against traditional media, which his constituents now largely distrust.

Claims of electoral manipulation continue to resonate with supporters despite clear judicial rulings that dismissed these allegations. The new generation of right-wing adherents appears emboldened by polarized media channels, as they rally behind figures like Pastor Jun Kwang-hoon, amplifying calls to join pro-Yoon demonstrations.

The continued support for Yoon has had curious effects politically. While the ruling party, the People Power Party (PPP), saw initial plummeting approval rates post-martial law, they rebounded significantly, signaling a reinvigorated faction that remains loyal to Yoon. Political analysts have noted that Yoon's martyr-like portrayal has paradoxically strengthened his grasp among conservative voters.

Within the PPP, divisions are mounting as differing opinions on Yoon's actions elicit debates over loyalty and ideology, and some lawmakers face backlash for opposing him. Critics warn that the radicalized right pushed by the pro-Yoon movement may irreversibly damage South Korea’s political landscape, fostering a cycle of hostility that is difficult to unwind.

As future relations within and outside the party remain in flux, observers express concern that Yoon's tumultuous presidency has woven division deeper into the societal fabric of South Korea. The potential for compromise appears dim, with any association with Yoon likely viewed as controversial by broad swathes of the population. The implications of Yoon’s polarizing legacy continue to reverberate, leaving South Koreans to grapple with an uncertain political future.