The American threat to South Korea’s conservatives

Within a single term, could we see the foundations of contemporary South Korean conservatism crumble?

At conservative protests in South Korea, it is not uncommon to see demonstrators waving American flags - or even (in)famously dressing up as Captain America. The symbolic act underscores a deep-rooted belief that the United States is an unwavering ally, committed to South Korea, and acting in its interests. The emergence of America First policies and Washington’s growing tendency to prioritize its own strategic interests over those of its allies upends this conviction. Within a single term, could we see the foundations of contemporary South Korean conservatism crumble?

The U.S.-Russia discussions about Ukraine in Saudi Arabia, notably excluding Ukraine itself, raise a disturbing precedent in international diplomacy. If the United States is willing to negotiate the future of a sovereign nation without its direct involvement, one must ask: Could South Korea face a similar fate?

Given Washington’s strategic flexibility and prioritization of its own national interests, it is entirely plausi…