Following the South Korean Constitutional Court’s decision to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol from office, an expert suggests Beijing may have played a role in the ouster, coinciding with Marine Le Pen’s ban from running for office in France.

Anna Mahjar-Barducci of MEMRI asserts that Yoon’s policies contrasted sharply with those favored by China, posing a threat to Beijing’s strategy to cultivate a compliant government in South Korea.

Mahjar-Barducci alleges that the CCP has used various means, including economic cooperation, political donations, and even illegal activities, to influence South Korean politicians, aiming to weaken the U.S.-South Korea alliance and expand its regional influence at the expense of the U.S.

According to Mahjar-Barducci, a Korean activist claimed that election fraud in South Korea was organized with Chinese cooperation, influencing past elections.

reports that Yoon’s supporters are angered by the decision. Kim Min-seon, a Yoon supporter, believes it was necessary to counter liberals obstructing Yoon’s efforts against North Korea and China’s cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and technology theft, which the opposition denies.

Yoon’s plans to enhance South Korea’s nuclear capabilities angered North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. He strengthened ties with the U.S. as a deterrent to North Korea.

The Chinese embassy in Washington D.C. did not respond to questions about alleged interference in South Korean politics. The South Korean embassy also did not return inquiries.

Mahjar-Barducci notes that Beijing’s media extensively covered Yoon’s dismissal, indicating the CCP’s satisfaction with the outcome. She claims Beijing has removed two pro-American South Korean presidents, highlighting its deep influence in the country.

Mahjar-Barducci emphasizes the need for a strong U.S. alliance with South Korea and Japan, warning that Beijing aims to dominate this strategically important region, which the U.S. cannot afford to lose.

Mahjar-Barducci views Yoon’s removal as part of a global trend of right-wing candidates being barred from elections, citing Călin Georgescu and Marine Le Pen as examples, and accuses the judiciary of being weaponized.

The CCP’s actions in South Korea coincide with large-scale military drills around Taiwan, with Chinese naval vessels being spotted in the area. Mahjar-Barducci notes that while Beijing attempts to normalize these drills, it has also warned that they could escalate into a real war.

South Korea will hold presidential elections in two months, with Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung reportedly being an early favorite, according to Digital reports.

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