Analysis: South Korea and political extremism

South Korea is a stable democracy with a well-developed political framework but political extremism is growing

Event or Trend. Political polarization and the influence of the far-right and far-left on political discourse has increased with policy positions once considered extreme, now moving into mainstream debate.

Significance. Understanding political polarization in South Korea is crucial for both policymakers and stakeholders in regional security. South Korea is a stable democracy with a well-developed political framework. The increased use digital platforms has amplified polarization, increased the acceptance of political extremism, and allowed extreme views to enter mainstream debate. This presents a risk to societal cohesion and stability, and increases the risk of external influence operations. Understanding these dynamics is vital for anticipating shifts in South Korean politics and its impact on foreign policy.

Analysis: South Korea's political landscape has always included a spectrum of extremist groups, divided primarily between far-right and far-left factions. These factions are more…