President's extreme self-confidence turned into paranoia, say analysts

President Yoon Suk Yeol listens to a question during a press conference in the briefing room of the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, on Nov. 7. Korea Times photo by Wang Tae-seok

Former and current prosecutors who worked with President Yoon Suk Yeol said his posture during the address — leaning forward with both hands gripping the edge of a desk — reminded them of his days as a prosecutor. This stance, they said, often signaled his resistance to opposing views.

One lawyer, a former deputy chief prosecutor, recalled, "When he adopted that posture, it felt like he was saying, 'Go ahead and make your case, even though I won’t like it.'"

Yoon's posture, a reflection of his strong self-confidence, has been consistent throughout his career, from his time as a prosecutor and prosecutor general to his current role as president.

During a 29-minute address to the nation on Thursday, Yoon criticized the opposition party, defending his controversial attempt to impose martial law as a necessary act to counter alleged overreach by the opposition.

Critics noted that his tone and content resembled a prosecutor presenting arguments in court rather than a head of state addressing the public. His apology, delivered briefly at the end of the speech, was seen as perfunctory.

People watch President Yoon Suk Yeol's address on TV at Seoul Station, Thursday. Yonhap

Unyielding stance

Legal professionals and political analysts have expressed concern over what they see as Yoon’s extreme self-assurance morphing into paranoia.

A former prosecutor said, "Yoon’s belief in his own reasoning was strong even back then, but now it seems he has spiraled into paranoia. How can a president echo narratives from YouTube broadcasts during an official address?"

Another lawyer, also a former prosecutor, added, "In the past, he could occasionally be persuaded by persistent colleagues, but it’s hard to understand what has changed during his two years as president."

Some observers believe that Yoon’s rigid confidence, combined with the powers of the presidency, has led to extreme views on current political and societal issues.

"Yoon seems to have developed an antagonistic worldview, asking himself why he must tolerate constant opposition despite being president," said a former deputy chief prosecutor. "It appears his overconfidence and inability to manage anger have led him to view power as his own property."

Despite growing criticism, many believe Yoon will not step down, even if faced with impeachment or criminal charges. His unyielding stance during a recent Cabinet meeting is believed to have left even Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and other ministers unable to intervene.

Legal experts overwhelmingly dismiss Yoon's justification of martial law as unfounded.

A former judge noted that, in cases of sedition, subjective intent can be inferred from circumstantial evidence, saying "The president’s directive to soldiers to storm the National Assembly and remove lawmakers clearly establishes the intent to disrupt constitutional order."

Another judge said, "As someone who served as prosecutor general, Yoon should understand constitutional principles better."

Citizens call for President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment during a protest in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap

Strategy to counter sedition charges

Regarding whether presidential acts are exempt from judicial review, opinions are clear.

Lawyer Kim Jin-han, a former researcher at the Constitutional Court, said, "While it is impractical to scrutinize every act of a head of state, any action that violates the constitution or significantly infringes on others' freedoms and rights must be subject to judicial review."

Hwang Do-su, a professor at Konkuk University and a former Constitutional Court researcher, said, "The idea that presidential acts are beyond judicial review is outdated. Constitutional law has evolved, and such acts must adhere to legal principles."

Some speculate that Yoon’s address was part of a legal strategy to counter charges of sedition.

A former chief prosecutor said, "The weakest link in sedition charges is proving intent, and while it is a minority view, courts could potentially accept Yoon's claims that there was no actual intent for sedition."

He added, "With this address effectively revealing the president’s legal strategy, investigators must now gather overwhelming evidence to refute it."

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.