South Korea: Ex-President Yoon moves to private home one week after ouster

IANS April 11, 2025 167 views

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has officially moved from the presidential residence to his private apartment in Seoul after being impeached. His departure was marked by emotional scenes, with supporters cheering and some even crying as he left. Despite leaving office, Yoon still faces potential legal challenges, including a criminal trial related to his controversial martial law declaration. The transition represents a significant moment in South Korean political history, highlighting the complex dynamics of power and accountability in the nation's democratic system.

"Now, I will return to life as an ordinary citizen" - Yoon Suk Yeol
Seoul, April 11: Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol moved from the official residence to his private home Friday, a week after he was removed from office over his short-lived martial law declaration in December.

Key Points

1

Yoon leaves official residence one week after impeachment

2

Supporters and opponents rally during his departure

3

Faces potential criminal trial for martial law decree

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Security team of 40 personnel assigned to former president

"Today, I am leaving the official residence. I am truly grateful for everything," Yoon said in a written message.

The former President looked back on his meetings with world leaders at the residence as part of his summit diplomacy and thanked the people who participated in rallies over the winter to support him.

"Now, I will return to life as an ordinary citizen, and seek a new path to serve our nation and people," he added.

Yoon held up his fists in the air as he walked through the front gate of the residence in central Seoul, where a crowd of supporters had gathered to see him off. Yoon shook hands with and hugged supporters as they chanted his name, with some even shedding tears.

He then departed in a motorcade bound for the Acrovista apartment complex, located in the southern area of the capital, and arrived there in 21 minutes. He was accompanied by his wife, Kim Keon Hee, and their more than 10 dogs and cats.

Ahead of his departure, both supporters and opponents gathered near the official residence in Yongsan, central Seoul, and the apartment complex to hold rallies.

His opponents called for Yoon's arrest on charges of insurrection, while supporters displayed signs with messages such as "Yoon Again." A banner welcoming Yoon's return was also visible inside the Acrovista complex.

Aside from the impeachment, Yoon still faces a criminal trial on charges of insurrection related to his martial law decree.

The Presidential Security Service has reportedly completed organizing a security team of about 40 personnel for the former President, who is eligible for security protection for up to 10 years.

Following his inauguration in May 2022, Yoon relocated the presidential office from Cheong Wa Dae in downtown Seoul to the defence ministry compound in the central district of Yongsan, Yonhap news agency reported.

Yoon commuted from the apartment building for six months while preparations were underway for the new office and residence, which had been remodeled from the foreign minister's official residence.

Reader Comments

J
James L.
Interesting to see how quickly things change in politics. Just last month he was in power, now returning to civilian life. I hope he finds peace after such a turbulent presidency. The support from his followers seems genuine though.
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Sarah K.
That photo of him with his pets is everything! 🐶🐱 At least he's got his furry family to comfort him during this transition. Politics aside, I respect how he's handling this with grace.
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Minho P.
While I didn't agree with many of his policies, I think the calls for his arrest are too extreme. The democratic process has spoken through the impeachment. Let's focus on moving forward as a nation.
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Alicia T.
40 security personnel seems excessive for a former president, especially one who was impeached. Taxpayer money could be better spent elsewhere. Just my two cents.
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David H.
The "Yoon Again" signs cracked me up 😂 Politics in Korea never fails to be dramatic. But seriously, hope the country can heal from this division.
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Jiyeon K.
As someone who protested against the martial law declaration, I'm relieved he's no longer in power. However, I do appreciate his diplomatic efforts during his time - those summit meetings were important for Korea's international standing.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Yoon Suk Yeol South Korea Presidential Impeachment Political Transition Seoul Politics
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