"Worried the Country Might Fall to China"...Young Protesters Lead 'Legal Martial Law, Anti-Communism' Rallies [Who Are the Far-Right Youth?]

Young Protesters Lead First Anniversary Martial Law Rally
"Want to Raise Global Awareness of the Dangers Posed by China"

Editor's NoteYouth participation in pro-martial law rallies, which shook the South Korean political scene in 2025, has noticeably increased. While some in the political sphere label them as 'far-right youth,' there are concerns that this is excessive stigmatization. How did these young people end up on the streets and come to be classified as far-right youth? This article explores how our society in 2026 might be able to embrace far-right youth.

"Martial law is legal, impeachment is invalid! Traitorous fools, wake up!"

On December 6, hundreds of young protesters gathered at the 'First Anniversary of Legal Martial Law' rally hosted by the conservative university student group Jayu University. The protesters carried large flags bearing both the Korean Taegukgi and the American Stars and Stripes. Starting from the streets in front of Dongdaemun, they marched toward Gyeongbokgung Palace, shouting slogans and chanting in unison along the road. Older protesters followed behind the youth, also chanting slogans.

Slogans such as "China Out," "Arrest Lee Jaemyung," and "Release President Yoon" were heard throughout the rally. During the protest, a dispute broke out between some elderly protesters and passersby heading to a progressive group’s rally, leading to shouting matches. Both sides exchanged harsh insults and pointed fingers, and there were even some physical altercations.

On the 6th, a university student attending a pro-martial law rally hosted by the conservative university group Liberty University on Dongdaemun Street is holding a sign written in English and Chinese. Photo by Juhyung Lim

When the fight broke out, young protesters holding flags turned back and intervened to calm both sides. One young protester said, "Don't pay attention to what the leftists are saying. Let's just shout our slogans even louder," trying to soothe the agitated seniors.

"Worried the country might fall to China"...University students bring signs in foreign languages

Some protesters brought signs covered in foreign languages. A university student, referred to as A, stood at the front of the rally holding a sign written in English and Chinese, shouting "China Out." He approached foreign onlookers and explained in English the reasons for the protest and the slogans they were chanting. He said, "What China is doing in Asia is very dangerous, and the Lee Jaemyung administration's moves to neutralize efforts to block spies also seem dangerous, so I decided to join the rally." He added, "I brought a sign written in English and Chinese to inform foreigners about the current situation in Korea and the dangers posed by China."

Another university student, B, who had just entered college after taking the college entrance exam last year, also participated in the rally. He said, "I was deeply shocked by the martial law incident that occurred before I graduated from high school, and I studied Korean politics through Jayu University's Instagram account." He continued, "I did my own research online and came to realize the complex political realities and truths surrounding martial law, which is why I decided to join the rally."

The scene at a rally held on December 6, 2025, on Dongdaemun Street. Protesters are marching and shouting slogans at a pro-martial law rally hosted by the conservative university student group Liberty University. Photo by Juhyung Lim

Although perspectives on former President Yoon Suk-yeol and martial law differed, there was a strong shared sense of antipathy toward China. An office worker, referred to as C, who was present at the rally, said, "It's difficult to judge whether martial law is illegal or not," but added, "Still, I believe that Korea's foundational liberal democracy is being threatened by China, and we can't just stand by and let it happen. In that sense, I agreed with Jayu University's argument that martial law could be a form of enlightenment and decided to join the rally."

Jayu University, formed after the martial law incident, expands its influence through anti-China rallies

On December 6, 2025, a pro-martial law rally hosted by the conservative university student group Jayu University was held on the streets of Dongdaemun. Photo by Joo-Hyung Lim

Jayu University, which led the protest, is a conservative group founded by university students in January this year under the name "Alliance of Universities for the Defense of Freedom." As a student-centered organization, it has a higher proportion of youth participation compared to other conservative groups and has especially led many anti-China rallies.

The group claims that China and North Korea are threatening the Korean system and strongly criticizes the Lee Jaemyung administration as being pro-China and pro-North Korea. They mainly use social networking services such as Instagram and YouTube to announce rally schedules and share various notices. Most of the university students who participated in the rallies said they received information through Instagram.

In July, Jayu University led an anti-China rally near the Chinese Embassy in Myeong-dong, Seoul, where some protesters tore banners printed with the faces of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Chinese Ambassador to Korea Xing Haiming, and the Chinese national flag, sparking controversy. Subsequently, Jayu University was investigated by police on charges of violating Article 108 of the Criminal Act, which prohibits insulting or defaming foreign envoys, and some participants were referred to prosecutors.