"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 NoteIn 2025, South Korea's political scene was shaken by a surge in youth participation at pro-martial law rallies. While some politicians have labeled these young people as "far-right youth," there are also criticisms that such labeling is excessive and stigmatizing. How did these individuals end up on the streets and come to be classified as far-right youth? This article examines how, in 2026, our society might find ways to embrace the far-right youth.

"Martial law is legal, impeachment is invalid! Traitors who have lost their senses, wake up!"

On December 6, hundreds of young protesters gathered at the "One-Year Anniversary of Legal Martial Law" rally hosted by the conservative university student group Jayu University. The demonstrators carried large flags displaying both the Korean national flag and the American Stars and Stripes. Starting in front of Dongdaemun, they marched along the road toward Gyeongbokgung Palace, shouting slogans and chanting in unison. Older protesters also followed behind, chanting slogans alongside the youth.

Slogans such as "China Out," "Arrest Lee Jaemyung," and "Release President Yoon" echoed throughout the rally. During the protest, there were heated arguments and shouting matches between some elderly protesters and passersby on their way to a progressive group rally. Both sides exchanged harsh insults, pointed fingers at each other, and even engaged in 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 a fight broke out, some of the young protesters carrying flags turned back to break up the scuffle and calm both sides. One young protester reassured the agitated older participants, saying, "Don't pay attention to what the leftists say-let's just shout our slogans even louder."

"Worried the country might fall to China"... University students even bring foreign language signs

Some participants brought signs written in multiple foreign languages. Standing at the front of the rally, university student A held a sign in English and Chinese and shouted "China Out." He approached foreign onlookers to explain in English the reasons for the protest and the meaning of their slogans. He said, "What China is doing in Asia is extremely dangerous, and the Lee Jaemyung administration's moves to undermine counterintelligence efforts also seem risky, which is why I joined the rally. 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 participated in the protest, was a freshman who had just entered college after taking last year's college entrance exam. "I was deeply shocked by the martial law incident that occurred before I graduated high school," he said. "I studied Korean politics through Jayu University's Instagram, and I did my own research online. After learning about the complex political realities and truths surrounding martial law, I decided to join the movement."

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 common sentiment of anti-China sentiment. An office worker, C, who was at the rally, said, "It's difficult to judge whether martial law was illegal or not. Nevertheless, I believe that the foundation of Korea-liberal democracy-is under threat from China, and we can't just stand by and let it happen. In that sense, I agree with Jayu University's claim that martial law could be seen as an enlightenment order, which is why I came out today."

Jayu University, founded after the martial law incident, expands 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, the group that led the protest, is a conservative student organization established in January this year under the name "University Alliance for the Defense of Freedom." As a student-centered organization, it has a higher proportion of youth participation than other conservative groups and has especially been at the forefront of anti-China rallies.

The group argues that China and North Korea are threatening South Korea's system and strongly criticizes the Lee Jaemyung administration as pro-China and pro-North Korea. They primarily use social networking services such as Instagram and YouTube to announce rally schedules and various notices. Most 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. Some protesters tore banners printed with the faces of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chinese Ambassador to Korea Xing Haiming, as well as the Chinese national flag, sparking controversy. Subsequently, Jayu University was investigated by police for allegedly violating Article 108 of the Criminal Act, which prohibits insulting or defaming foreign envoys. Some participants were referred to the prosecution.