South Korea’s Political Crisis Fuels Anti-China Conspiracy Theories

South Korea’s worst political crisis in decades has become fertile ground for disinformation campaigns targeting China, following former president Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed attempt to impose martial law in December 2024. The crisis, which led to Yoon’s impeachment and eventual removal from office, sparked a wave of conspiracy theories that have gained significant traction in right-wing circles.

A persistent narrative emerged across conservative forums, amplified by influential YouTubers and echoed by lawmakers at public rallies: China was behind Yoon’s downfall. Supporters of the former president claimed Beijing had infiltrated protests, funded the impeachment campaign, and manipulated online opinion ahead of the June snap election that brought opposition leader Lee Jae Myung to power.

Yoon himself contributed to these suspicions during televised remarks in December 2024, when he defended his failed martial law decree by warning that “forces linked to North Korea and China are threatening our democracy from within.”

However, an extensive review of the most widespread claims about Beijing’s influence on South Korea’s political upheaval found no solid evidence to support these allegations. Experts suggest these narratives reflect domestic political rivalries and deep-seated anti-China sentiment rather than genuine foreign interference.

“There used to be goodwill toward China, a sense of economic partnership,” explained Ha Nam-suk, a professor at the University of Seoul. “But as competition deepened and cultural disputes intensified, frustration turned into resentment. Politicians understood that, and some used it as a convenient rallying tool.”

The tension spilled onto the streets of Seoul throughout August and September, where right-wing groups staged protests against alleged “Chinese infiltration.” Meanwhile, surveys indicate South Koreans’ negative perceptions of China have intensified, with Chinese nationals and residents in Seoul reporting increased discrimination and harassment.

One of the earliest conspiracy theories emerged in January, shortly after Yoon’s impeachment. Right-wing YouTubers such as Shin In-kyun claimed that “99 Chinese spies” had been arrested at the National Election Commission and subsequently flown to Okinawa by the US military. The story quickly spread through fringe forums before being picked up by conservative media outlet Sky eDaily.

Fact-checkers later revealed that the photos accompanying these reports actually showed Chinese fishermen detained for illegal fishing in 2016. Both the National Election Commission and US Forces Korea categorically denied the reports, calling them “entirely false.”

Nevertheless, the claim spread rapidly through pro-Yoon networks online, eventually being referenced by Yoon’s lawyer before the Constitutional Court.

“Younger Koreans already had strong resentment toward China over cultural and historical issues,” Professor Ha noted. “After Yoon’s impeachment, online influencers weaponized that resentment, turning frustration into political identity.”

The Constitutional Court also became a target when Justice Moon Hyung-bae, who oversaw Yoon’s removal proceedings, was featured in a doctored image purportedly showing him “swearing allegiance before a Chinese flag.” The original photograph, taken by the Yonhap news agency, actually showed South Korea’s national flag.

Despite these falsehoods, Moon continued to face threats and disinformation. When the Court unanimously voted to remove Yoon in April, the conspiracy theory gained further traction among supporters who became convinced the judiciary had been “compromised.” Surveys conducted early this year indicated public distrust in the court had risen beyond 40 percent.

The narrative intensified after opposition leader Lee won the June 3 presidential election. Posts on social media platforms falsely claimed The Guardian had reported that China helped Lee win the election. In reality, the article in question merely cited a White House official’s general concern about Chinese influence in democracies worldwide, without specific reference to South Korea’s election.

More recently, disinformation has shifted to immigration policy. When the Justice Ministry introduced a visa-free program for Chinese group tourists ahead of the APEC summit, former prime minister Hwang Kyo-ahn claimed it was a plot to enable election fraud in upcoming local elections. The National Election Commission quickly clarified that only foreigners with at least three years of permanent residency can vote in local elections.

Kim Hee-gyo, a professor at Kwangwoon University, observed that these conspiracy theories serve a political purpose: “Once those stories took hold, they became symbols of something larger. You see banners from far-right groups and even some opposition People Power Party figures using identical language—that kind of coordination doesn’t happen by chance.”

Professor Ha drew a concerning parallel to similar patterns in other countries: “When you see protesters in Seoul shouting at Chinese residents, it feels chillingly familiar. This isn’t just a Korean problem. Across democracies, we’re watching crusade-style politics take root—where one side must die for the other to survive.”