The Star-Spangled Banner, the flag of the United States, has become a frequent sight at far-right rallies in South Korea, flown alongside South Korea's Taegeukgi. These rallies support President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is currently under investigation for a self-coup attempt following his unconstitutional and illegal declaration of emergency martial law on Dec. 3. This move has not only triggered impeachment proceedings but also raised serious concerns about his alleged attempt to undermine democracy and establish authoritarian rule.
The curious presence of American flags at these rallies raises questions. Why would those rallying behind a leader accused of attempting to dismantle democracy align themselves with the symbolism of the United States, a nation that professes to support democratic values?
When outgoing US Ambassador to South Korea Philip Goldberg was asked about it, his response was speculative. He suggested that it might be linked to older participants who experienced the Korean War and felt gratitude toward the US While diplomatically careful not to make definitive statements, Goldberg likely understands that the phenomenon is deeply rooted in the complex and often troubling history of US involvement in South Korea’s politics.
The display of American flags at these rallies reflects more than mere nostalgia for past alliances; it symbolizes a distortion of history. During the Cold War, US foreign policy in South Korea prioritized anti-communism over democratic values, supporting authoritarian leaders like Syngman Rhee, Park Chung-hee and Chun Doo-hwan. These leaders ruled with authoritarian measures, suppressing dissent, stifling democracy, restricting free speech, and violating human rights while enjoying US military and economic support.
This historical relationship has left a complicated legacy. Far-right groups in South Korea have perpetuated the narrative that US support equates to an endorsement of authoritarianism. The presence of American flags at rallies supporting Yoon Suk Yeol underscores this misconception. It represents a plea for US backing despite Yoon’s actions that threaten the very democratic principles the United States claims to uphold. This paradox points to a fundamental misunderstanding of the United States’ role in South Korea’s political history.
While similar patterns of US support for authoritarian regimes have occurred globally -- in Chile, Indonesia and elsewhere -- the case of South Korea stands out. Unlike the far-right narrative that credits US support, democratic progress in South Korea was not achieved through US intervention but through the sacrifices of ordinary citizens. Movements such as the April 19 Revolution, the Bu-Ma Uprising, the May 18 Gwangju Uprising, and the June 1987 Democracy Movement are all vivid examples of the Korean people’s determination to fight for freedom and justice. The United States, despite its close ties with South Korea, played little to no role in these movements. In some cases, such as the Gwangju Democratic Uprising, Washington’s inaction in the face of state-sponsored violence and massacre has left a deep scar on the Korean psyche.
The presence of American flags at rallies supporting Yoon’s authoritarian aspirations sends a misleading and dangerous message. It conflates US geopolitical support with a perceived endorsement of undemocratic regimes. Ironically, these displays highlight the contradictions in US foreign policy, which has often prioritized strategic interests over democratic principles.
The new Trump administration’s unpredictable foreign policy adds further concerns. Trump’s “America First” approach prioritizes transactional relationships over shared values. Could Washington tacitly support leaders like Yoon if it aligns with short-term US interests?
It is important to acknowledge, however, that not all Americans support such foreign policies. Many intellectuals, politicians and activists in the US have historically supported South Korea’s democratic movements. As former US President Jimmy Carter once said, America is “a beautiful mosaic” of diverse voices, reminding us that government actions do not always reflect the views of its people.
As a physicist, I often find myself drawn to the concept of balance or equilibrium in nature. Since democracy relies on balance -- between power and accountability, freedom and responsibility -- the laws of physics offer a useful analogy. When balance is disturbed beyond a critical point, whether by internal vulnerability or external force, the system risks collapse. Yoon’s December 3 declaration of emergency martial law is widely viewed as a deliberate attempt to destabilize this balance. Nevertheless, the resilience of South Korea’s democracy and the will of its people have prevented its democratic system from collapsing.
By not only resorting to antidemocratic actions but also wavering the American flag, far-right groups in South Korea seek to induce external intervention to disrupt the democratic balance and override the will of the people.
South Korea’s democracy -- now often referred to as “K-democracy” -- is a globally recognized achievement born from the collective will of its citizens, not external powers. As President Yoon faces a legal and political reckoning, the world watches closely. The protection of South Korea’s constitutional democracy is not just vital for the nation’s future but also serves as a powerful reminder that democracy must be defended from within. The Star-Spangled Banner may wave in the streets of Seoul, but it cannot obscure the truth that South Korea’s democratic destiny lies firmly in the hands of its people.
Ambrose Seo
Ambrose Seo is a professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Kentucky. The views expressed here are the writer’s own. -- Ed.
koreadherald@heradcorp.com
