South Korea: Former President Yoon Stays at Official Residence for 4th Day Post-Ouster
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Synopsis
On April 7, 2023, former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol remained at the official residence in Seoul for the fourth day following his ouster due to a brief martial law declaration in December. Yoon is preparing to vacate the residence, with security arrangements underway for him and former First Lady Kim Keon Hee.
Key Takeaways
- Yoon Suk Yeol remains at the official residence after removal.
- His ouster was due to a martial law declaration.
- Preparations are underway for his departure.
- The presidential election is scheduled for June 3.
- Security arrangements for Yoon are being made by PSS.
Seoul, April 7 (NationPress) Former South Korean President, Yoon Suk Yeol, has remained at the official residence in Seoul for the fourth consecutive day on Monday after his removal from office due to a brief martial law declaration in December.
Yoon is in the process of preparing to leave the Hannam-dong residence in central Seoul following the Constitutional Court's ruling last Friday, although specific arrangements have yet to be finalized, according to a presidential official.
"The date of his departure and his next residence remain unconfirmed," the official informed Yonhap News Agency via phone.
After taking office in May 2022, Yoon shifted the presidential office from Cheong Wa Dae in downtown Seoul to the Defence Ministry compound located in the central Yongsan district.
For six months, Yoon traveled from his private residence at the Acro Vista apartment complex in southern Seoul while the new presidential office and residence—remodeled from the official residence of the foreign minister—were being prepared.
The Presidential Security Service (PSS) is currently working on security arrangements for Yoon and former First Lady Kim Keon Hee, who are expected to relocate to their private residence as early as later this week.
"Security is crucial given that (Yoon) had access to classified national secrets," a PSS official mentioned, without revealing the exact number of security personnel assigned.
According to the Presidential Security Act, Yoon qualifies for security protection for up to 10 years following his exit from office, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
In the meantime, the government has scheduled a presidential election for June 3 to choose a successor to former President Yoon Suk Yeol, which will be ratified at a Cabinet meeting this week.
When former President Park Geun-hye was ousted on March 10, 2017, a quick election occurred exactly 60 days later, on May 9.
The National Election Commission began early candidate registration immediately after the Constitutional Court dismissed Yoon last Friday.
If confirmed, candidates must register by May 11, and the official campaign period will commence on May 12.
The law requires any public servant running for President to resign at least 30 days prior to the election, making May 4 the cutoff date for their candidacy.
The newly-elected President will take office right after the election results without a transition team.
