Supporters of South Korea’s former President Yoon gather near his private home amid neighbors’ concerns

People walk past Acrovista in Seocho District, Seoul, where former President Yoon Suk Yeol's residence is located, Friday, the day the Constitutional Court ruled to remove him from office. Hankook Ilbo

Supporters and YouTubers began gathering Thursday afternoon at Acrovista, the apartment complex in Seocho District, southern Seoul, where former President Yoon Suk Yeol lived before moving to the official presidential residence in Hannam-dong. With his return to Acrovista appearing likely after vacating the Hannam residence, some in the neighborhood expressed discomfort about the increasing crowds and potential noise.

Inside the Acrovista shopping arcade, signs and traces of the former president and his wife, Kim Keon Hee — including a directory for her now-defunct company, Covana Contents — drew attention from visitors looking for photo-ops.

Shop owners and residents in the area largely avoided commenting on Yoon’s possible return but admitted worries. “I’m concerned it’ll get noisy with rallies and crowds,” one merchant said.

Some locals expressed stronger unease. “Before he moved to Hannam, the traffic restrictions for his security made life very difficult for everyone,” said Choi, who runs a private academy nearby. “I hope he chooses a different residence this time so that residents don’t suffer again.” A realtor added, “It’s still calm for now, but I’m worried the noise will increase.”

A sign for Covana Contents, the company once operated by former first lady Kim Keon Hee, is displayed at the Acrovista shopping arcade in Seocho District, Seoul, Friday, after the Constitutional Court ruled to remove former President Yoon Suk Yeol from office. Hankook Ilbo

Despite concerns, Yoon’s loyal supporters have begun to make their presence felt. On the uphill road from Exit 6 of Gyodae Station to Acrovista, individuals wearing red caps and draped in Taegeukgi (South Korean national flags) were seen loitering. Several were holding smartphones on tripods, apparently livestreaming. By early afternoon, more people appeared holding signs reading “Eradicate anti-state forces” along with flags.

“I came to cheer on the president and tell him to stay strong,” one supporter said.

Security guards were kept busy dispersing both media and supporters hovering near the apartment entrance. At one point, police were called after a reporter continued to approach residents despite being asked not to. Around 4 p.m., a large SUV believed to be connected to Yoon’s security detail entered the complex. Though its affiliation could not be confirmed, one resident said, “Several men in suits got out of the vehicle,” drawing attention from neighbors.

Security guards are seen at the entrance to Acrovista in Seocho District, Seoul, Friday, after the Constitutional Court delivered its ruling to remove former President Yoon Suk Yeol from office. Hankook Ilbo

Not all residents oppose the former president’s return. Some, like a resident surnamed Kim, responded with neutrality. “Before he became a presidential candidate, he was just known among us as someone who often walked his dog,” Kim said, adding that many neighbors likely still hold a favorable view of the couple.

Even after taking office, Yoon continued commuting to the presidential office in Yongsan from Acrovista for nearly six months. When the couple moved to the Hannam residence in December 2022, residents presented them with a framed photo collage featuring Yoon, Kim and their pets.

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.