Singer Kim Heung Gook defends Seoul Western District Court riots in support of President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Singer Kim Heung Gook, known for his public support of President Yoon Suk Yeol, stirred controversy by defending the recent riots at the Seoul Western District Court in a series of comments on his YouTube channel.

On January 20th KST, Kim responded to comments on his “Diri-Dae TV” channel about the violent protests that erupted following the court’s decision to issue an arrest warrant for President Yoon. When a viewer commented, “Is this what you consider proper behavior from conservatives? Is this normal? Please wake up,” Kim replied, “You wake up.”

When another user asked his opinion on the riots, saying, “Yesterday, the pro-Yoon protesters stormed the Western District Court, causing a riot. What do you think about this, Kim Heung Gook?” he responded, “Don’t ask me. They were just expressing their feelings. This is their way of expressing themselves in a free democracy.”

When pressed further by another viewer who remarked, “You previously encouraged people to ‘push forward.’ Don’t you think such actions, like attacking a state institution and assaulting police officers, are problematic?” Kim replied, “What matters is their feelings. Don’t ask me.”

Earlier this month, Kim participated in a rally outside President Yoon’s official residence in Yongsan, opposing his arrest. His remarks and participation in such events have drawn both criticism and support, reflecting the deepening divisions among the public regarding Yoon’s leadership and the legal actions against him.

The riots erupted after Judge Cha Eun Kyung of the Seoul Western District Court issued an arrest warrant for President Yoon on January 19th. This unprecedented move marked the first time a sitting South Korean president was issued an arrest warrant.

In response to the court’s decision, pro-Yoon demonstrators, wielding fire extinguishers and steel pipes, stormed the court building, shattering windows and attacking journalists and police officers. Police arrested 90 individuals involved in the unrest, with 66 of them facing detention as authorities began issuing warrants.

The violent scenes have reignited debates about the limits of protest in a democracy and the responsibilities of public figures like Kim Heung Gook in shaping public discourse.

Kim’s comments have sparked mixed reactions online, with some defending his remarks as an acknowledgment of the protesters’ frustrations, while others criticized him for seemingly justifying violent actions. The controversy adds another layer to the already charged atmosphere surrounding President Yoon’s arrest and its broader implications for South Korea’s political landscape.

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