Anna Jiwon Park has been covering the politics at The Korea Times since the summer of 2024, when she joined the press pool for the Office of the President in Korea. Prior to that, she spent about five years reporting extensively on financial markets, regulatory authorities and the financial industry. She joined The Korea Times in 2019 after spending eight years as a broadcast journalist at Arirang TV, Korea’s leading global broadcaster, covering politics, defense and culture.
Impeached Yoon delivers partisan message to supporters despite calls for self-reflection
Then-President Yoon Suk Yeol waves to supporters upon arriving at the official residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, March 8, after being released from the Seoul Detention Center. Yonhap
By Anna J. Park
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol addressed his supporters Sunday, expressing gratitude for their backing and encouragement in a partisan message that came two days after the Constitutional Court upheld his impeachment over his short-lived martial law declaration in December.
Yoon’s politically charged remarks came despite widespread public calls for him to show self-reflection and self-restraint.
“In recognizing the grave crisis facing the country, your efforts to defend freedom and sovereignty will be remembered as a great chapter in the history of the Republic of Korea,” Yoon said in a statement delivered by his legal defense team to his supporter groups.
“I deeply appreciate your support and encouragement,” he said, adding that although he had stepped down from the presidency, he would “always stand by your side.”
His message in particular targeted the younger generation. “As long as the youth do not lose courage, Korea's future will be bright," he said.
“To the youth, you are the true protagonists of this country and its future. Even if today’s reality is difficult, never despair. Have confidence and courage,” Yoon's message continued.
The view of the official presidential residence located in Hannam-dong in Yongsan district, Seoul, Sunday. Yonhap
Yoon also extended his gratitude to citizens who had rallied in his support under the banner of the People’s Defense Counsel, an organization established by his legal team to advocate for his defense.
“I remember your first rallying cry that filled Cheonggye Plaza on the evening of Feb. 13. Though my body was in the detention center, my heart was with you. I was moved to tears by your passionate love for this country. I sincerely thank you for your unwavering support," he said.
His message diverged from the public sentiment, which called for restraint and national unity in the aftermath of the crisis.
According to a poll commissioned by KPI News and conducted by Research View among 1,000 adults aged 18 and older nationwide on Friday, nearly 70 percent of respondents said the former president should self-reflect and show self-restraint.
When asked, “What course of action do you think Yoon should take in the early presidential election climate?” 68.6 percent of respondents answered, “As someone responsible for causing a national crisis, he should step back and reflect," while 20.6 percent said he should “protest the unfairness of his dismissal and intervene in the presidential election.”