The so-called ‘White Skull Corps,’ consisting of individuals in their 20s and 30s who support President Yoon Suk-yeol and oppose his impeachment, will officially declare its launch on the 9th. The group is expected to operate as a ‘subunit’ created under the name ‘Anti-Communism Youth Corps.’ There are predictions that a physical clash could occur if the Corruption Investigation Office attempts to execute a second arrest warrant against President Yoon at the presidential residence.
◇Kim Jung-hyun, who created the 'White Skull Corps,' said, “It’s not bad to have a group name with a strong image.”
Kim Jung-hyun (42), the head of the Anti-Communism Youth Corps, announced in a notice posted in a group chat on the 9th that a launching ceremony for the ‘White Skull Corps 202 Security Team’ and a standing protest will take place at 6:30 p.m. in front of the presidential residence in Hannam-dong. He added, “Those who attended the Hannam Great Battle from the 4th to 6th and new members hoping to join should come 2 to 3 hours earlier to find those wearing white helmets.” Kim referred to the overnight protest held by youth against the attempted arrest of President Yoon as the ‘Hannam Great Battle’ from the early morning of the 4th to the 6th.
The ‘White Skull Corps’ is a ‘plainclothes arrest squad’ that emerged during protests in the 1980s and 1990s. They were called the White Skull Corps for wearing blue jeans and jackets along with white safety helmets. They played the role of breaking the ranks of protesters while carrying short clubs and small shields, and aggressively suppressing demonstrations.
In a phone call with CHOSUNBIZ that day, Kim stated that naming the youth gathering supporting President Yoon as the ‘White Skull Corps’ does not imply the need for a violent organization, saying, “In the current state of national emergency, a group name with a strong image like White Skull Corps isn’t a bad idea.”
Kim explained that the official name of the organization he formed is the ‘Anti-Communism Youth Corps’ and that the White Skull Corps is ‘its subunit.’ He stated that members of the White Skull Corps are conducting reconnaissance and surveillance activities around the presidential residence. Kim mentioned that there are about 30 core members in the White Skull Corps but did not disclose the total number of members. However, he noted that most members are in their 20s and 30s and are “purely voluntary participants.” The White Skull Corps is said to be equipped with ‘self-defense’ gear, but Kim clarified, “We are not armed with any offensive weapons, just wearing protective equipment to prepare for attacks from the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU).”
Meanwhile, Kim held a press conference at the National Assembly’s communication hall that afternoon. He stated in this meeting that the White Skull Corps had protested in front of the Hanam Elementary School near the presidential residence to prevent what he called the illegal attempt at arresting the president by the KCTU.
He then warned, “We seriously alert that any unreasonable attempts to arrest President Yoon must stop,” and argued, “Deploying police special forces armed with heavy weapons to attempt the arrest of a sitting president is a highly dangerous act that may escalate into civil war.” The press conference venue was made available for use by Kim Min-jeon, a member of the People Power Party.
◇Supporters of Yoon say, “The 2030 generation must protect the president,” versus “Kim is probably trying to get nominated later.”
Opinions on the White Skull Corps vary among supporters of President Yoon. Seo (31), who met at a cafe in Hannam-dong, said he did not hesitate to join the White Skull Corps. He stated, “Currently, it’s hardly different from a state of national overthrow. The 2030 generation wants to gather and protect the president,” adding, “I believe the Democratic Party is a coup instigator. I wish more young people would join the White Skull Corps.”
On the other hand, Jang commented on Kim's Facebook account, saying, “We are citizens who gathered voluntarily, not a specific group. Don’t think of doing such things (like the White Skull Corps),” to which Kim responded, “Do you think the 2030 friends went out to follow what you said? They are doing it to try to get nominated later.”
Kim registered as a preliminary candidate for the election in April of last year in the district of Yongsan, Seoul, representing the People Power Party. After fellow congressman Kwon Young-se received sole nomination, he left the party and ran as an independent but lost.