Elon Musk Responds to Supporters of Yoon Thwarting an Attempt at Arrest

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, responds via X to reports that supporters of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol are demonstrating against the state anti-corruption agency's attempt to arrest him on Friday. An image taken from Musk's X account

The political turmoil in South Korea, centered around the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, has drawn reactions from around the world, including high-profile figures like Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Known for his unpredictable commentary on global issues, Musk's remarks about the South Korean situation have sparked speculation about his views and potential connections to President Yoon.

Musk’s Comments on the Crisis

Elon Musk, who also owns the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), has actively commented on posts related to the situation in South Korea. In one instance, he reacted to a video showing large crowds of Yoon’s supporters waving South Korean and U.S. flags outside the presidential residence.

Musk simply wrote, "Wow, that’s a lot of police officers," referring to the heavy security presence. The post claimed, incorrectly, that the police were there to arrest President Yoon, when in fact they were deployed to prevent clashes between Yoon’s supporters and opponents.

Later, Musk responded with another "Wow" to a photo of a protester holding a sign that read "Stop the Steal," a slogan famously associated with Donald Trump’s supporters after the 2020 U.S. election. The use of such symbols and slogans by Yoon’s supporters baffled many observers, sparking debates about ideological overlaps between right-wing movements in South Korea and the United States.

Speculation on Musk’s Stance

Musk’s remarks have led to speculation about his position on the South Korean crisis. Some of Yoon’s supporters interpreted Musk’s comments as a tacit endorsement of their cause. This perception aligns with Musk’s history of engaging with right-wing political figures, such as his apparent support for European right-wing leaders and his nomination to lead a proposed Department of Government Efficiency under Donald Trump’s administration.

Given Musk’s influence and his business interests in Asia, including Tesla’s significant presence in the South Korean market, any perceived alignment with President Yoon could have broader implications. However, analysts suggest that Musk’s reactions may have been more casual than calculated, as he often reacts spontaneously to trending topics on X.

Musk’s Relationship with President Yoon

President Yoon Suk Yeol and Tesla CEO Elon Musk laugh during their meeting in Washington in this April 2023

While Musk’s comments have stirred speculation, South Korean business magnate Chung Yong-jin, chairman of Shinsegae Group, downplayed any direct involvement. Chung met Musk at Mar-a-Lago during a visit arranged by Donald Trump Jr., but later told reporters that Musk expressed no particular interest in South Korea’s political crisis. This statement contradicted widespread assumptions about Musk’s potential ties to President Yoon, given his history of commenting on Korean affairs.

Musk has previously shown an interest in South Korea, praising the country’s technology and innovation sectors. His companies, including Tesla, have benefited from partnerships and investments in South Korea, which has become an important market for electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions.

Broader Implications

Musk’s reactions highlight the global interconnectedness of political and social movements, particularly in the digital age. His comments have amplified the visibility of South Korea’s crisis on the international stage, drawing attention to the ideological crosscurrents between right-wing populist movements across countries. Whether Musk’s remarks were casual or indicative of a deeper connection to President Yoon’s administration remains a subject of debate.

As South Korea’s Constitutional Court deliberates on President Yoon’s impeachment, Musk’s comments serve as a reminder of how influential figures can shape public discourse, even on issues far removed from their primary spheres of influence.

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