How Right-Wing Forces are Attempting to Undermine Democracy and Peace Activists
February 3, 2025
Posted in: In the News
Last week, members of the Korea Peace Now! Grassroots Network and other protesters went to Congresswoman Young Kim’s office in Anaheim, Calif., to deliver a grassroots petition with thousands of signatures protesting her recent remarks disparaging pro-democracy and peace advocates. In an op-ed earlier this month, Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) accused those advocating for President Yoon’s impeachment of trying to undermine the trilateral alliance between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan. “This same faction is pushing for a formal declaration to end the Korean War,” she wrote, which “would undermine and destabilize security on the Korean Peninsula.” In an interview with Chosun Ilbo, Kim said, “The forces behind President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment prefer appeasement toward North Korea and accommodation of China.”
Last week, members of the Korea Peace Now! Grassroots Network and other protesters went to Congresswoman Young Kim’s office in Anaheim, Calif., to deliver a grassroots petition with thousands of signatures protesting her recent remarks disparaging pro-democracy and peace advocates. In an op-ed earlier this month, Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) accused those advocating for President Yoon’s impeachment of trying to undermine the trilateral alliance between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan. “This same faction is pushing for a formal declaration to end the Korean War,” she wrote, which “would undermine and destabilize security on the Korean Peninsula.” In an interview with Chosun Ilbo, Kim said, “The forces behind President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment prefer appeasement toward North Korea and accommodation of China.”
Kim’s comments echo Yoon’s accusations that “pro-North, anti-state elements” in the National Assembly were undermining the government — which he used as justification for his short-lived martial law declaration in December. Yoon is now the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested and indicted. This rhetoric is part of a rising, transnational, far-right campaign to smear pro-democracy and pro-peace activists. By making these claims of foreign interference, the far right seeks to silence advocates for peace and democracy.
We must continue to organize and push for Congressional measures that prioritize diplomacy, trust-building, and unconditional humanitarian support. A peace agreement to formally end the Korean War is the best way to de-escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula.