INTERVIEW | Dr Tara O on South Korea's Battle for Democracy

"South Korea is locked in a battle between those fighting to uphold liberal democracy and those determined to undermine it," says Dr Tara O. She is a United States Air Force Reserve lieutenant colonel and fellow at the East Asia Research Center.

Tara O is a well-known name among South Korea's conservative right. When President Park Geun-hye was ousted on March 10, 2017, amid a turbulent political crisis, Dr O was one of the few American intellectuals who boldly spoke out in search of the truth.

Afterward, she dedicated herself to raising awareness about the threats posed by the left-wing Moon Jae In government to the international community. The retired US Air Force officer stood firmly with those fighting to protect South Korea's liberal democracy.

On February 25, 2025, Dr O spoke at a seminar hosted by the Korea Truth Forum in Washington, DC. There, she addressed the legitimacy of President Yoon Suk-yeol's December 3 martial law declaration and the ideological struggle gripping South Korea.

How does the US view South Korea's rapidly shifting political landscape, and what lies ahead for US-South Korea relations?

Dr O explored these questions in an interview with JAPAN Forward.

Interest in Yoon's Detention from Abroad

President Yoon was released from detention on March 8. What are your thoughts? 

President Yoon's release is a positive development. It reaffirms that the rule of law remains intact — at least in some corners of South Korea. At this point, Yoon is more than just the leader of his nation. He has become a symbol, a beacon of freedom, and a steadfast defender of the liberal democratic order. 

His influence extends beyond South Korea, resonating with close partners like the United States and Japan. This is not merely a domestic struggle — it is part of a broader battle against the subversive threats posed by North Korea, China, and their proxies in the South.

What prompted you to give a presentation at a recent Truth Forum event?

I have closely monitored South Korean politics since former President Park Geun-hye's impeachment. Back then, the fundamental pillars of democracy — free speech, the right to assembly, the rule of law, and the separation of powers — were rapidly crumbling. Today, we are witnessing a similar erosion. These same pillars are again under siege as President Yoon faces impeachment maneuvers by the leftist opposition parties.

Unfortunately, legacy media in both South Korea and the United States have failed to report on these realities. This compelled me to deliver a short talk at the Truth Forum event on February 25.

Why aren't Western media reporting on these facts?

Many people in the United States are naturally not keenly aware of the situation unfolding in South Korea. One key issue is that mainstream media here often rely on South Korea's legacy media and press releases from the opposition Democratic Party. The Democratic Party is an expert in crafting propagandistic narratives and reaching out to foreign journalists. Inevitably, news coverage tends to be one-sided and biased against President Yoon and his supporters.

A key difference this time, compared to Park's impeachment, is the rise of conservative YouTubers and independent media. Back then, such platforms were scarce, but now they are thriving. These creators broadcast live footage in real-time, rapidly spreading information online and reaching millions.

How do you expect the Constitutional Court to rule? 

First and foremost, the Constitutional Court, which is set to rule on President Yoon's case, has a solemn duty to uphold the Constitution. It must remain steadfast and impartial, resisting pressure from the Democratic Party, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, and the Chinese Communist Party.

While some judges may lean left, I am confident the court will rule on the merits and reach the right decision. There are two key reasons for this. First, their fundamental duty is to uphold the Constitution. That is the very foundation of their role. Second, no judge, nor their family, would want to live under a totalitarian regime. If Yoon is removed and the left gains control of the executive branch, South Korea will be on that path.

History, from Vietnam and China to North Korea, shows that once communists seize power, they often turn on their own, purging even those who once stood by their side. The judges must bear this in mind. If the left takes control, they could be among the first to be targeted.

Impact on Korean Relations with the West

What implications does Yoon's potential ouster have for the US?

Consider the previous Moon Jae In administration as an example. Moon strongly favored pro-China and pro-North Korea policies, allowing numerous adherents of North Korean political ideology, or Jusapa, to occupy key positions. 

His approach was even more pronounced than that of his left-wing predecessors, Roh Moo-hyun and Kim Dae-Jung. Moon's unwavering pursuit of engagement with Pyongyang came at a significant cost — undermining South Korea's economy, weakening national security, and straining diplomatic relations.

Under Lee Jae-myung, we would likely see a continuation of Moon's policies, or perhaps something even more extreme. Like Moon, Lee has staunchly opposed South Korea's deployment of the US THAAD missile defense system. He has gone so far as to fuel baseless rumors that the system's electromagnetic waves pose health risks to nearby residents.

Lee is known to be pro-Beijing, correct?

In June 2023, Lee met with the then-Chinese Ambassador to South Korea, Xing Haiming, displaying notable deference. When Xing issued a thinly veiled threat, warning that South Korea would "regret betting on China's defeat" in response to the Yoon administration's pro-Western foreign policy, Lee offered no rebuttal. His pro-Beijing stance would inevitably place him at odds with the Trump administration's hardline approach toward China.

Those in Washington must recognize that Lee Jae-myung's allegiances align with pro-North Korean factions. This includes the Eastern Gyeonggi Alliance, a group linked to the National Liberation Movement and deeply rooted in Juche ideology. These elements view North Korea's Workers' Party not as an adversary but as a legitimate political force within the South. They advocate for the Korean Peninsula's unification under the Kim dynasty's sole authority. 

Opposition Legal Troubles

The opposition leader is also mired in several criminal trials? 

Yes, and this should raise serious concerns for South Koreans and Americans alike. Most troubling is Lee Jae-myung's involvement in funneling bulk cash to North Korea through a local underwear company. It was a maneuver aimed at securing a meeting with Kim Jong Un during his tenure as governor of Gyeonggi Province. 

This act blatantly violated United Nations sanctions. Is this the type of leader South Korean voters truly want as their president?

Could Yoon's return strengthen trilateral relations between Japan, South Korea, and the US?

Of course. President Yoon has been unequivocal in his commitment to keeping South Korea firmly within the free world. He fully understands that the trilateral partnership is essential to achieving that objective.

Washington will likely be eager to capitalize on this momentum, particularly in efforts to counter China's expanding regional and global influence. All three countries are keenly aware of the Chinese Communist Party's interference through its United Front Department. The Trump administration would seek robust support from Seoul and Tokyo, two of America's closest allies on strategic, military, and geopolitical issues.

For these policies to be effective and enduring, however, a lawfully elected president must be restored to office.

RELATED:

• Popular Support for Yoon Suk-yeol Grows as Court Weighs Impeachment
• Turmoil in South Korea Puts People at Disadvantage, Security at Risk
• INTERVIEW | Why President Yoon Suk-yeol Was Right According to Kim Sungwon

Author: Kenji Yoshida