South Korean Sentiment Shifts: Yoon’s Party Gains Ground as Arrest Looms

Several public opinion polls in South Korea show support for the ruling People Power Party (PPP) is recovering. This swing comes as a second attempt to arrest President Yoon Suk Yeol is imminent, possibly as early as Wednesday.

The Asia Today newspaper commissioned a survey that revealed surprising results. The poll, conducted by the Korea Public Opinion Research Institute (KOPRA), found Yoon’s approval rating at 40%.

This marks a significant increase from previous lows. The surge in support appears to stem from conservatives rallying around Yoon as he faces an unprecedented crisis. Yoon’s impeachment and potential arrest have polarized South Korean society.

Thousands of supporters and opponents have held rival protests in Seoul’s streets. The political turmoil began on December 3, 2024, when Yoon declared martial law. This led to his impeachment on December 14.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) is preparing for a second attempt to arrest Yoon. Their first effort on January 3, 2025, failed after a standoff with presidential security. The CIO has vowed to succeed in their next attempt.

South Korea’s Political Turmoil

Despite the legal challenges, Yoon’s party has seen a rebound in public support. A Gallup Korea poll showed the PPP with 34% support, slightly behind the opposition Democratic Party’s 36%.

This marks a significant recovery from three weeks earlier when the PPP had only 24% support. Pollsters attribute the swing to far-right YouTube creators mobilizing Yoon‘s supporters.

These content creators, some with around a million subscribers, have been broadcasting pro-Yoon rallies. They label attempts to oust him as a ‘coup d’état’ orchestrated by North Korea.

The shift in public opinion has energized PPP lawmakers. They cheered veteran legislator Na Kyung-won after she questioned cabinet members at the National Assembly. The party’s boisterous behavior contrasted sharply with the opposition’s attempts to silence them.

However, the situation remains volatile. The Constitutional Court held its first hearing on Yoon’s impeachment case on Tuesday. It ended after four minutes due to Yoon’s absence.

The court will proceed with a second hearing on Thursday, with or without the president’s presence. As South Korea navigates this complex political landscape, the outcome of Yoon’s impeachment trial and potential arrest looms large.

The situation could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s democracy and international standing. The world watches as this drama unfolds in one of Asia’s most vibrant democracies.