Anti-China sentiment has intensified within South Korea’s conservative circles, as conspiracy theories and xenophobic rhetoric gain traction amid President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment proceedings.

This growing hostility risks damaging bilateral relations and triggering economic repercussions reminiscent of China’s retaliation following South Korea’s 2016 deployment of the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system.

Experts told Korea Pro that this trend marks a shift from manageable discontent to entrenched hostility, making diplomatic resolution increasingly difficult.

As Yoon and his supporters amplify allegations of Chinese espionage and election interference to defend against impeachment, anti-China narratives are proliferating in online communities