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South Korea’s impeached former president Yoon Suk Yeol bid farewell to the presidential residence in Seoul on Friday after being stripped of his duties. The ousted leader embraced supporters as he left the compound, shaking hands and posing for photos, while many of his backers waved “Yoon Again” placards.
The 64-year-old was removed from office by the Constitutional Court last week following his disastrous martial law declaration on December 3. The attempt to declare martial law sent soldiers to parliament, but it was short-lived, lasting only a few hours.
In a statement released by his lawyers, Yoon expressed gratitude towards his supporters who braved the harsh winter temperatures to protest on his behalf in recent months. “Even in the bitter cold, your warmth and dedication brought comfort, and I carry that memory deeply in my heart,” he said. “Now, I return to being an ordinary citizen of the Republic of Korea, and I will seek a new path in service of our country and people.”
Hundreds of his supporters were gathered to welcome him home in the Seocho district of Seoul, some of them holding flowers. A banner read, “Mr and Mrs President, thank you for your service — from the residents’ association.” One neighbour, who gave only her surname Lee, expressed mixed feelings, saying, “I would vote for him again if I had to, but I am worried about the security. Last time, the security and separate elevators were annoying. Also, what is he going to do with all his pets?”
The former president, who owns 11 cats and dogs, now faces a criminal trial for insurrection related to his martial law attempt. Meanwhile, South Korea is gearing up for its presidential elections on June 3, with opposition candidate Lee Jae-myung currently leading in the polls.
Lee, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 election, has announced his policy roadmap and pledged to help the country recover from the recent political turmoil. Despite a legal cloud hanging over his career due to ongoing trials, Lee’s political comeback as the leader of the opposition has gained momentum.
