South Korea: Yoon Expresses Gratitude to Supporters in Letter from Detention
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Synopsis
On January 17, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed his heartfelt thanks to supporters for their strong sense of patriotism in a letter issued after an arrest warrant was sought against him. He reflected on his presidency while in detention, emphasizing the support he received from the public.
Key Takeaways
- Yoon expressed gratitude for the patriotism of his supporters.
- The letter was released after a warrant request for his arrest.
- This is the first time a sitting South Korean president is facing such legal action.
- Yoon reflected on key presidential speeches during his detention.
- He was detained for charges of insurrection and abuse of power.
Seoul, Jan 17 (NationPress) South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to his supporters for their patriotism in a letter made public following the request for an arrest warrant against him. Yun Gap-geun, Yoon's attorney, shared the letter titled 'President Yoon's letter to the people at the Seoul Detention Centre.' This release came shortly after the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials lodged a formal warrant request with the Seoul Western District Court.
In his letter, Yoon stated, 'Greetings to the people. I am managing well in the detention centre, although it is somewhat uncomfortable.' He reflected on his presidency by rereading significant speeches, including his inauguration address and remarks made on Liberation Day.
Yoon remarked, 'I have heard that many individuals are braving the cold streets to rally strength for the nation.' He expressed his gratitude for the enthusiastic patriotism displayed by his supporters.
Yoon was taken into custody on Wednesday, facing accusations of insurrection and abuse of power in connection with his failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Earlier that day, South Korean authorities pursued an arrest warrant for the impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol concerning his flawed martial law declaration made 45 days prior.
The Corruption Investigation Office submitted the warrant request to the Seoul Western District Court just two days after Yoon was arrested at his home and subsequently taken to a detention facility after questioning.
This marks the first occasion in South Korea's constitutional history that an arrest warrant has been sought for a sitting president.
The CIO stated that Yoon was charged with leading an insurrection and abusing his power, citing the severity of the alleged offenses and the potential for recurrence as justifications for the warrant request.
Despite being detained, Yoon had declined to participate in questioning regarding his failed martial law initiative.
He submitted a request to the Seoul Central District Court to assess the legality of his detention; however, the court rejected the appeal on Thursday night, maintaining his custody.
