Yoon Suk Yeol Returns Home Amid Rebellion Allegations, Post-Impeachment Tensions

April 11, 2025 | 04:08 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is scheduled to return to his private home on Friday, April 11, 2025, after leaving his official residence. According to Al Arabiya, both supporters and opponents gathered to welcome his convoy following his ousting from office a week earlier.

Yoon is expected to travel in a convoy alongside his wife and more than ten dogs and cats, heading to their private apartment located in a 37-storey building in Seoul.

Media reports cited concerns over security arrangements in the densely populated residential area as the main reason for the delay. These arrangements are part of Yoon’s entitlements as a former president.

It is customary for former South Korean presidents to relocate to separate homes after leaving office.

Yoon has not appeared in public since his release from prison on March 8, when a court revoked the detention order in a criminal case against him. He was also absent from the Constitutional Court's ruling on his impeachment on April 4.

Nevertheless, several members and supporters of his ruling party were seen visiting the official residence, where Yoon was reportedly discussing the upcoming presidential election scheduled for June 3.

The Constitutional Court of South Korea last Friday upheld Yoon's impeachment, ending four months of unprecedented constitutional chaos. This came after Yoon's attempt to enforce martial law in December, sending shockwaves through Asia's fourth-largest economy.

South Korea will hold a snap presidential election on June 3. Questions arise about whether Yoon might still play a role, given how his impeachment has deepened polarization in society and stirred up his conservative supporters.

The former president still faces trial on charges that he led a rebellion - charges that could carry the death penalty or life imprisonment if he is found guilty.

The race for the presidency to replace Yoon began this week with almost 20 candidates set to compete. The conservative People Power Party is fighting to retain the presidency against a leading liberal populist in the polls.

According to the polls, the candidates will face a tough battle against former leader of the populist Democratic Party, Lee Jae-myung, who announced his candidacy on Thursday.

All conservative candidates received single-digit support in the polls, with former labor minister Kim Moon-soo leading with 9 percent - far behind Lee with 37 percent, according to a Gallup Korea poll released on Friday.

Lee, who has faced various legal hurdles in his bid for presidency, has promised to mend economic polarization and drive economic growth if elected.

While unveiling his policy visions on Friday, Lee said he wants to help the industrial center make another leap by capitalizing on the crisis triggered by Yoon's military emergency to focus on cutting-edge science and technology.

“In order to survive in the harsh global battlefield, we must now shift the paradigm from ‘imitation’ to ‘leadership'," he said in a press conference.

Yoon said his military emergency on December 3 was intended to uncover the majority parliament's abuse by the Democratic Party. He accused the opposition of obstructing his policies, and the military emergency was not meant to enforce full military power.

The Democratic Party and Yoon's critics said his actions were a rebellion that almost destroyed democracy.

Editor's Choice: What to Know About South Korea's June 3 Snap Election After Yoon's Removal

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

Ex-Indonesian Coach Shin Tae-yong Tapped as VP of South Korea's Football Body

1 hari lalu

South Korea Opts Not to Retaliate Against US Tariffs

1 hari lalu

What to Know About South Korea's June 3 Snap Election After Yoon's Removal

2 hari lalu

Pink Spiders Crowned V-League Champions Despite Megawati Hangestri's Top Performance for Red Sparks

2 hari lalu

Calls for Trump's Impeachment Resurface

2 hari lalu

Jay Park Confirms Jakarta Concert for July 12 in 2025 World Tour Lineup

3 hari lalu

Helicopter Pilot Dies Fighting Forest Fire in South Korea's Daegu

4 hari lalu

3 Indonesian Citizens Granted Permanent Resident Status in South Korea

4 hari lalu

US Congressman to Impeach Trump Within 30 Days

4 hari lalu

Thousands Rally to Reject Yoon Suk Yeol Impeachment

4 hari lalu