Supporters of South Korea’s Yoon Embrace ‘Stop the Steal’ Slogan, Hope Trump Will Intervene

Key Points: 'Stop the Steal' Movement: Yoon’s supporters are adopting the slogan made famous by Trump’s backers, hoping the incoming U.S. president will support their cause. Martial Law Controversy: Yoon declared martial law after alleging election fraud, citing unproven claims of North Korean hacking and voting irregularities. Growing Trump-Yoon Parallel: Both leaders face political turmoil, with their supporters rallying around similar rhetoric regarding election integrity.

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SEOUL – Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is facing impeachment, have adopted the “Stop the Steal” slogan made famous by supporters of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. This move comes as they rally around their embattled leader, hoping Trump will come to Yoon’s aid as he navigates a criminal investigation tied to his controversial martial law declaration.

On the morning of January 3, 2025, Yoon’s supporters gathered outside his residence to prevent his arrest after presidential guards and military personnel successfully blocked attempts to execute a warrant. The investigation centers on Yoon’s declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, during a dispute over alleged election interference. Some of the protesters carried signs reading “Stop the Steal,” a slogan used by Trump’s supporters to challenge the results of the 2020 U.S. presidential election, which Trump lost.

Though Trump has not publicly commented on Yoon’s situation, the rise of the hashtag #StopTheSteal and memes inspired by Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) campaign in South Korea suggests a growing alignment of rhetoric between the two figures. Both Yoon and Trump have expressed similar views on alleged voting irregularities, with Yoon making unfounded claims about North Korean involvement in hacking South Korea’s National Election Commission (NEC).

Yoon’s Controversial Martial Law and Election Fraud Allegations

Yoon’s martial law declaration was made after the South Korean government claimed that the April 2024 parliamentary election, in which Yoon’s party suffered a massive loss, was compromised. According to Yoon, the NEC’s system had been hacked by North Korea, although no hard evidence was provided. He also alleged that the National Intelligence Service (NIS) detected the breach but that the NEC refused to cooperate with a full investigation.

The NEC, however, denied these claims, insisting that no signs of a hack were found and that South Korea’s voting system, based on paper ballots, was secure. They further criticized Yoon for undermining the integrity of the election process that led to his own presidential victory. Yoon’s supporters, however, continue to argue that his actions were justified, and many now hope that Trump will lend his support to their cause.

Hopes for Trump’s Intervention

Among the protesters, several expressed optimism that Trump’s second term could provide the political leverage needed to support Yoon. University professor Lee Ho-chung, holding a “Stop the Steal” sign in English, explained that the message was meant for both American and South Korean audiences. “He could really help President Yoon,” Lee said, referencing Trump’s reputation for challenging election results.

Pyeong In-su, a 71-year-old protester holding a combined U.S. and South Korean flag, shared similar sentiments, hoping that Trump would speak out against alleged election fraud both in South Korea and globally. “I hope that Trump will take office soon and raise his voice against the rigged elections in our country plus around the world to help President Yoon return to power swiftly,” he said.

Another protester, Seo Hye-kyoung, displayed a “Stop the Steal” sign along with the Chinese flag, claiming that “Chinese people have come to our country and stole our votes.” Despite the NEC’s public refutation of such claims, Seo continued to trust in Yoon’s assertions, stating, “The president is not someone who would say something wrong.”

Protests and Tensions

Hundreds of pro-Yoon protesters, many holding American flags—often seen at conservative rallies in South Korea—gathered outside the presidential compound, some braving freezing temperatures overnight. They chanted slogans like “Invalid impeachment” as they aimed to prevent any action that might lead to Yoon’s arrest.

It’s worth noting that, like Yoon, Trump has been impeached twice but was acquitted both times, further fueling the narrative that both leaders are victims of political attacks.