Charlie Kirk Amplifies Conservative Youth Movements in Asia Ahead of Fatal Utah Shooting

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent figure in conservative politics, embarked on his first speaking tour in Asia just days before his fatal shooting at a Utah university event. During his visits to South Korea and Japan, Kirk emphasized the growing momentum of conservative youth, particularly young men, and spoke out against what he described as a "globalist menace."

At the Build Up Korea 2025 conference in Seoul, which has hosted notable conservative figures like Donald Trump Jr., Kirk proudly claimed credit for helping to secure former President Donald Trump’s victory. His remarks were met with enthusiastic support from the audience, who greeted him with cheers and phone lights amid a dramatic pyrotechnic introduction. Kirk remarked, "The phenomenon of young people, especially men, turning conservative is occurring simultaneously across multiple continents. It is not unique to the US, which is why it deserves more attention. That is why I chose South Korea as my first Asian destination."

The event also featured religious themes, including a worship concert and discussions on Christian leadership, along with a message from Everylife, an American company with a pro-life stance encouraging South Korean youth to increase birth rates. This aligns with wider trends seen in recent elections across North America, Europe, and Asia, where young men have increasingly supported right-wing parties while young women lean towards progressive platforms. This gender voting split is notably pronounced in South Korea, where the liberal Democratic Party recently regained power following upheavals tied to the conservative administration’s failed martial law attempt.

Continuing his tour, Kirk moved to Tokyo where he spoke at a symposium hosted by the emerging Sanseito party, recognized for its anti-immigration stance after gaining upper house seats in July. Kirk told a Sanseito legislator in an interview, "I’m excited … to learn and to hopefully invigorate the people of your great nation to keep fighting this globalist menace."

In response to Kirk’s sudden passing, Sanseito party leader Sohei Kamiya expressed his sorrow on social media, calling Kirk a "comrade committed to building the future with us." He revealed plans they had discussed to collaborate further had been tragically cut short.

Reflecting on his Asia visit in a podcast, Kirk highlighted the global nature of conservative challenges: "The same things we have been fighting for here – whether it be lawfare in South Korea or mass migration in Japan – this is a worldwide phenomenon."

Though Japan’s foreign-born population remains low at about 3%, recent increases in tourism have heightened the visibility of foreigners in urban areas, playing into political debates over immigration and national identity across Asia.