Supporters of ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol claim Chinese election interference played a role in his impeachment.

Anti-China sentiment is growing among far-right conservatives in South Korea amid the political turmoil surrounding impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law decree. Yoon and members of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) have accused China of involvement in election fraud, sparking protests and rallies. Every Friday evening, around 50 to 100 protesters march in Seoul, chanting slogans such as “Xi Jinping out” as they wave Korean and American flags. [See: Anti-China Sentiment Grows Among Pro-Yoon Supporters Amid Martial Law Fiasco].

Beijing has strongly denied allegations of interference, reaffirming its commitment to the principle of non-interference in other countries’ affairs. The South Korean election watchdog has dismissed the claims as baseless.

The situation was further complicated by a news story on YouTube, which falsely reported that martial law troops had arrested Chinese “hackers” for aiding opposition parties. Chinese Ambassador to South Korea, Dai Bing, condemned the allegations and called for stability and proper handling of internal issues in South Korea.

Meanwhile, anti-China protests, organized under the banner of the “Festival to Exterminate Communism,” have moved from the presidential residence to the Chinese Embassy. Pro-Yoon protesters, waving Korean and American flags and holding “Stop the Steal” signs, chanted “Invalidate the impeachment” and “Xi Jinping out.”

The event’s organizer, Kim Jung-sik, a former PPP youth spokesperson, claimed, “The election fraud is a fact, not a conspiracy,” adding, “Isn’t China the ‘force behind the invasion of [Korea’s national] sovereignty’ that President Yoon has referred to?”

Yoon first mentioned China in a Dec. 12 speech, citing security concerns and the potential impact of Chinese solar facilities on South Korean forests.

“Three Chinese people were caught shooting a U.S. aircraft carrier anchored in Busan by flying drones. Their smartphones and laptops showed photos of South Korean military facilities for at least two years,” he said.

He also noted, “If the opposition party takes control of the country, Chinese solar facilities will destroy forests across the country.”

He later suggested China’s involvement in election fraud, a claim that has been debunked by the National Election Commission.

PPP lawmakers have fueled rumors of Chinese intervention, with some making unsubstantiated claims about Chinese nationals supporting impeachment efforts. Experts warn that anti-China sentiment is being used to unite far-right conservatives and distract from political failures.