This Tuesday, January 7, South Korean justice issued a new arrest warrant against deposed President Yoon Suk-yeol as part of the investigation for rebellion against him. The political crisis is concentrated around the residence of the deposed president where his detractors and his supporters clash. Among the latter, a pastor, a key figure in South Korean ultra-conservatism, agitated the crowd.
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The proceedings against deposed President Yoon Suk-yeol are the consequence of his short-lived attempt to apply martial law. Blocked by presidential security and ultraconservative activists, investigators failed to apprehend him on January 3 in Seoul.
The political crisis is concentrated around the residence of the deposed president where his detractors and his supporters clash. Among them, Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon, for whom the impeachment procedure against Yoon Suk-yeol is a golden opportunity to return to the forefront of politics: “ If you support President Yoon Suk-yeol, raise your hands and salute those who declared martial law (…) We must exercise our right to resistance, a right that is superior to our Constitution! »
Also readSouth Korea: who protects ousted president Yoon Suk-yeol and prevents his arrest?
Far-right theses
In long speeches broadcast on YouTube for his 190,000 subscribers to his channel, the pastor of the Sarang Jeil church pours out his far-right theses. Antifeminism, homophobia, anti-immigration, but above all anti-communism tinged with conspiracy. “ To force President Yoon Suk-yeol from power, North Korea manipulated the elections, and China also participated in electoral fraud “, assures the pastor in his videos. The 68-year-old man, for example, accuses former Democratic President Moon Jae-in of being a North Korean spy without proof.
Already known for controversial releases for around twenty years, he made the headlines during the pandemic. Illegal gatherings of its faithful sparked a second wave of covid-19 contamination. A journey and a speech reminiscent of that of Jeon Kwang-hoon’s model: “ Long live the President-elect of the United States who wants South Korea and the United States to be the most powerful countries in the world!!!” TRUMP TRUMP!! “.
Signs with writing “ Stop the steal »“Stop the steal” in French, with large American flags, the symbols and slogans of the Trumpists are omnipresent during the rallies organized by the South Korean pastor.
Also readSouth Korea: after the failed arrest of Yoon Suk-Yeol, the strange silence of the interim president