How political YouTubers are cashing in on impeached President Yoon’s arrest, fueling division

Far-right YouTubers, along with some channels on the left, have heightened existing political divisions, leveraging the political turmoil to produce at times sensational content, and in some cases disseminating misinformation.

Choi Jeong-yoon

Choi Jeong-yoon

The Korea Herald

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A screenshot shows the page of right-wing YouTube channel Shin Hyeesik's Live News, with a bank account number listed for donations. PHOTO: YOUTUBE/THE KOREA HERALD

January 22, 2025

SEOUL – As South Korea continues to grapple with the political upheaval following suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol’s botched declaration of martial law on Dec. 3 last year, YouTube channels have emerged as a means for individuals and small groups to spread their political beliefs ― as well as a lucrative business opportunity.

Far-right YouTubers, along with some channels on the left, have heightened existing political divisions, leveraging the political turmoil to produce at times sensational content, and in some cases disseminating misinformation.

While authorities were carrying out the high-profile arrest of suspended President Yoon on Jan. 15, a different kind of struggle was unfolding outside the presidential residence in Seoul. Political YouTubers, armed with cameras and smartphones, streamed live broadcasts tailored to their ideological audiences. Cries of “Protect the President!” and “Arrest him now!” filled the air as content creators vied for the most captivating footage.

This frenzy translated into substantial financial gains for some YouTube channels.

The pro-Democratic Party channel Goyangenews, with 546,000 subscribers, claimed the top spot on YouTube’s “Super Chat” earnings chart globally, amassing approximately 35 million won ($24,000) in just two days.

YouTube’s Super Chat feature allows viewers to send money to their favorite creators, highlighting their messages in exchange.

Other prominent channels, including Kim Ou-joon’s News Factory and the conservative Shinuihansu, trailed not far behind, earning 21 million won and 12 million won, respectively. When factoring in additional donations funneled through personal accounts, the actual earnings are likely significantly higher.

While a number of YouTubers are journalists who serve an important role conveying news straight from the scene to viewers, the competition for viewership can drive some of them to inflame divisions through sensationalism or disseminating misinformation. Channels on the right falsely reported that Yoon’s approval rating had surpassed 40 percent even as other statistics showed his approval rating had fallen to 11 percent after his martial law decree.

“The political landscape on YouTube is extremely polarized, with both sides leaning toward reinforcing their own prejudices and beliefs,” said Park Eun-hong, a political science professor at Sungkonghoe University.

According to Playboard, a Korean platform that ranks YouTube channels globally, progressive-leaning channels in South Korea earned approximately 134 million won through Super Chat donations during the week of Jan. 9–15. In comparison, conservative-leaning channels in the top five Super Chat rankings earned about 125 million won during the same period.

While channels on the left have seen a recent spike in earnings during Yoon’s arrest, the conservative bloc started to take to YouTube as a primary source of information during the previous Moon Jae-in administration, when right-leaning channels established a foothold on the platform, according to Lee Jong-myung, a senior researcher at the Global Convergence Content Research Center at Sungkyunkwan University.

Experts view that conservatives initially turned to YouTube to address a perceived lack of representation in traditional media, using the platform’s rapid growth to cultivate loyal followings.

“There is a tendency for opposition groups to seek alternative spaces to express their views during periods of limited mainstream influence. This dynamic coincided with YouTube’s rise and the demands of the conservative base,” Lee explained.

Notably, the senior generation in South Korea has become increasingly dependent on YouTube as a primary news source. At a recent pro-Yoon rally, a 70-year-old protester declared unwavering trust in the platform, saying, “YouTube is the only source of truth.” The protester bemoaned a lack of online access for some people, hoping they can “watch it and see the truth about election fraud.”

This dependence stems from YouTube’s algorithm-based design, which feeds viewers increasingly similar content, creating an echo chamber effect, according to Park. The seamless integration of online and offline activities — livestreaming protests and rallying financial support through Super Chats — further cements this echo chamber effect.

“Viewers not only consume the content, but actively participate in the narratives, fostering a cycle of blind faith and polarization,” said Park.

The influence of YouTubers has led to real-world consequences, as well, with their words potentially inciting violent confrontations. At one rally this past weekend, far-right pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon urged followers to consider committing “effective deaths,” regarding an incident in which a man set himself on fire in front of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, drawing widespread criticism. In another instance, a clash between protesters led to a stabbing.

“Every weekend since the martial law decree, I went out to rally in front of President Yoon’s residence,” said a 68-year-old surnamed Kim. She says verbal insults and physical conflict with protesters on the opposing side are a daily occurrence for her.

Experts warn that YouTube’s polarizing effects could escalate conflicts further. “YouTubers’ rhetoric can act as kindling for fervent supporters, potentially leading to more extreme actions,” said Jeon Sang-jin, a sociology professor at Sogang University.

To address these rising concerns, experts agreed that stricter measures are necessary, calling for both the government and the platforms to take a more proactive role in combating misinformation.

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