Make Korea Great Again: The Right-Wing Group Wooing Disenchanted Youth

South Korea is often celebrated globally for its technological innovation, pop culture dominance, and rapid economic growth. Yet beneath this polished image lies a growing sense of frustration among many young South Koreans who feel left behind by the country’s success story. High youth unemployment, soaring housing prices, intense academic pressure, and widening inequality have created fertile ground for political movements promising radical change. Into this space has stepped a new right-wing group using the provocative slogan “Make Korea Great Again,” borrowing language familiar from Western populist movements while tailoring its message to local grievances.
A Generation Feeling Shut Out
South Korea’s younger generation, particularly those in their 20s and early 30s, faces challenges vastly different from those encountered by their parents. Stable jobs are harder to secure, competition for elite universities is relentless, and home ownership has become an almost unreachable dream for many. While the country’s older generations benefited from decades of rapid growth, today’s youth often feel that the ladder of opportunity has been pulled up behind them.
This disillusionment has translated into political apathy for some and anger for others. Many young voters no longer feel represented by traditional political parties, which they see as disconnected, corrupt, or overly focused on older voters. The right-wing group behind the “Make Korea Great Again” slogan has positioned itself as a voice for these frustrated youths, claiming to speak uncomfortable truths that mainstream politicians avoid.
Messaging That Resonates
What sets this movement apart is its sharp focus on identity, fairness, and resentment toward perceived elites. The group argues that South Korea’s institutions—universities, media outlets, and political leadership—are dominated by progressive voices that marginalize conservative or nationalist perspectives. Through social media platforms like YouTube, X, and messaging apps, the movement reaches young people directly, bypassing traditional media it accuses of bias.
Its messaging often blends economic anxiety with cultural concerns. The group claims that young Korean men, in particular, are being unfairly blamed for social problems while bearing the burdens of mandatory military service and job insecurity. By framing these issues as evidence of a system rigged against them, the movement offers not just criticism but a sense of belonging and purpose.
Digital Strategy and Youth Appeal
Unlike older conservative organizations, this group understands digital culture. Its leaders use memes, livestreams, and viral clips to package political ideas in a format that feels accessible and entertaining. Political rallies are styled more like online fan meetups, and slogans are designed to trend rather than merely persuade.
This approach has proven effective. Some young supporters say they are drawn not necessarily by strict ideology, but by the movement’s willingness to challenge social norms and confront what they see as hypocrisy in politics. For them, “Make Korea Great Again” is less about nostalgia and more about reclaiming a future they believe has been denied to them.
Critics Sound the Alarm
Critics warn that the movement’s rise reflects a troubling global pattern in which economic frustration fuels polarizing politics. Progressive groups and human rights advocates argue that the movement oversimplifies complex problems and redirects anger toward vulnerable groups, including women, migrants, and political opponents. They fear that the rhetoric, while initially appealing, could deepen social divisions in an already polarized society.
There are also concerns about the movement’s admiration for foreign populist figures and tactics. Detractors argue that importing slogans and strategies from abroad ignores South Korea’s unique historical and cultural context, risking the erosion of democratic norms built over decades.
A Mirror of Broader Discontent
Whether one agrees with its politics or not, the rise of this right-wing youth movement is a symptom of broader structural issues. Experts note that dismissing its supporters as merely angry or misinformed would be a mistake. The frustration they express—over economic precarity, lack of social mobility, and distrust in institutions—is real and widely shared across ideological lines.
The challenge for South Korea’s political system is not simply to counter this movement but to address the conditions that allow it to thrive. Without meaningful reforms in housing, employment, education, and political transparency, similar movements are likely to continue gaining traction.
What Comes Next?
As South Korea approaches future elections, the influence of youth-driven political movements will be closely watched. Whether “Make Korea Great Again” evolves into a lasting political force or fades as a protest movement remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that a growing segment of South Korea’s youth is searching for alternatives to the political status quo.
Their message, however controversial, sends a warning signal to policymakers: ignore the frustrations of the younger generation, and others will step in to claim their loyalty. In that sense, this movement is not just reshaping conservative politics—it is forcing the nation to confront uncomfortable questions about who truly benefits from Korea’s success story.