[Who Are the Far-Right Youth] Could South Korea Follow Europe? The Possibility of Far-Right Youth Groups Expanding into Political Parties

③ Far-Right Parties Grow into Major Political Forces in Europe
Driven by Backlash Against Middle Eastern Refugees
Unlikely for Such Parties to Become Major Forces in South Korea

Editor's NoteAt the pro-martial law rallies that shook the South Korean political scene in 2025, there was a noticeable increase in young participants. While some in the political sphere refer to them as "far-right youth," others argue that this is excessive labeling. How did these young people end up on the streets and come to be classified as far-right youth? This article examines how, in 2026, our society might be able to embrace far-right youth.

Scenes from the anti-immigration protest that took place last September in London, United Kingdom. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

In Europe, far-right parties have grown significantly from minor parties to major political forces over the past decade. Their approval ratings have surged, fueled by the influx of Middle Eastern refugees and rising anti-immigration sentiment since the 2010s. The various social costs associated with accommodating large numbers of refugees have led to reductions in welfare and jobs, which in turn have increased the prominence of the anti-immigration policies advocated by far-right parties. In contrast, the situation in South Korea is different. Although the growing anti-China sentiment among far-right youth in South Korea is a cause for concern, experts say it is currently impossible for a European-style far-right party to emerge in the country.

Far-Right Parties Become Major Political Forces in Europe... Increasing Parliamentary Seats

In Europe, "far-right politics" has traditionally referred to right-wing political forces characterized by extremely hardline, exclusionary nationalism and anti-immigration sentiment. The Italian Fascist Party, which espoused "fascism" in the 1920s and 1930s, and the German Nazi Party are representative examples of such far-right forces. While these far-right forces were virtually taboo in Europe after World War II, they have recently reemerged as major political players.

In Germany, the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) won 152 seats in the general election held in February 2025, making it the second-largest party in the Bundestag. In France, the National Rally (RN), another prominent far-right party, secured 123 seats in the 2024 general election, the highest number for any single party. In addition, far-right parties such as Brothers of Italy (FdI), the ruling party in Italy, and the Freedom Party (FPD), which became the largest party in Austria's parliament, have grown from minor to major parties across Europe.

According to the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), a German think tank, far-right parties have established themselves as major political forces in 9 out of the 27 EU member states, accounting for one-third of the bloc. SWP stated, "After World War II, European society built barriers to exclude far-right parties from politics, but the situation has changed rapidly, and these parties have now become powerful political forces capable of wielding significant influence in the European Parliament." The institute also predicted, "If the National Rally, currently polling as the most popular party in France, achieves a decisive victory in the 2027 French presidential election, it will mark a new turning point in the expansion of far-right parties across Europe."

Rapid Growth Driven by Anti-Immigration Sentiment... German Far-Right Party Becomes Ruling Party in 12 Years

A speech by Alice Weidel, co-leader of the far-right German party Alternative for Germany (AfD). Photo by AP Yonhap News

Europe's far-right parties experienced rapid growth in the wake of the "Arab Spring," the wave of democratization that began in the Arab world at the end of 2010. As the Arab Spring spread from Algeria across the Middle East, refugees flocked to Europe, fueling anti-immigration sentiment. The BBC analyzed, "As the number of refugees surged, existing welfare budgets were diverted to refugee support, job competition intensified, and public safety concerns grew, greatly strengthening anti-immigration sentiment across Europe."

In particular, Germany, which implemented the most inclusive policy by accepting one million refugees annually under Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2015, saw strong backlash against pro-immigration policies, especially in the former East German regions. This backlash provided the backdrop for the rapid rise of the far-right AfD, which was founded in 2013 and became the second-largest party in the Bundestag in just 12 years.

The former East German regions had already been experiencing significant dissatisfaction among local residents due to economic underdevelopment compared to the West after reunification. The AfD grew as a political force representing the grievances and anti-immigration sentiment of these residents. In the most recent German general election in February, the AfD adopted official slogans rejecting the European Union's refugee agreement and calling for refugee repatriation, making anti-immigration policies its main campaign pledge, which resonated with voters in the East. In that election, the AfD surpassed the ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU) to become the top party in all former East German regions.

Professor Yoon Seokjun of Anglican University’s Department of International Politics explained, "Far-right forces remained minor political players after World War II, and their emergence at the forefront of politics is largely a result of the Middle Eastern refugee crisis that began in earnest in 2014." He continued, "Along with the refugee issue, the rapid globalization process since the end of the Cold War has left some groups feeling marginalized, and far-right parties have emerged as representatives of these groups seeking a new political voice."

"Far-Right Groups in South Korea Are Just Beginning... Spread of Anti-China Sentiment Is Concerning"

A pro-martial law protest held by the conservative group Shin Jayu Yeondae in front of the Democratic Party headquarters in Yeouido on the 3rd of last month. Photo by Lim Juhyung

Although concerns are mounting in South Korea over the rise of "far-right youth," experts point out that the environment is not conducive to the rapid emergence of far-right parties with significant political influence, as seen in Europe. Shin Jinwook, a professor of sociology at Chung-Ang University, said, "A European-style far-right party based on exclusionary nationalism or anti-immigration sentiment is unlikely to emerge in South Korea's political scene." He added, "While far-right parties led by young people are gaining popularity overseas, this trend is developing more slowly in South Korea."

He continued, "Although the 2030 generation has become more conservative compared to the early 2000s, in recent elections they have alternated support between conservative and progressive administrations, showing a high degree of fluidity." He added, "They do not tend to support any particular party with strong conviction." He further explained, "In Europe, where parliamentary systems are common, declining popularity of established conservative parties has allowed new far-right parties to rise. However, in presidential systems like South Korea, where two major parties dominate politics, the likelihood of this happening is low."