South Korea: Key Presidential Aides Tender Resignations After Yoon's Removal
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Synopsis
On April 4, senior aides to former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol offered their resignations en masse following his removal by the Constitutional Court over a failed martial law attempt, prompting a significant political shift in the country.
Key Takeaways
- Senior aides to Yoon Suk Yeol resigned after his impeachment.
- The Constitutional Court upheld Yoon's removal due to martial law declaration.
- Yoon expressed regret for not meeting public expectations.
- The country will hold a snap presidential election within 60 days.
- Yoon will retain security protection for five years.
Seoul, April 4 (NationPress) Senior aides to former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol collectively submitted their resignations on Friday, as confirmed by the presidential office, following the Constitutional Court's decision to remove him from his position due to his unsuccessful martial law attempt.
Among those who resigned were Yoon's chief of staff, Chung Jin-suk, National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik, and 13 other aides who presented their resignations to acting President Han Duck-soo after the court upheld Yoon's impeachment unanimously regarding his brief martial law declaration.
Following the ruling, Yoon expressed it was a “privilege” to serve the nation and apologized for not fulfilling the public's expectations.
The atmosphere at the presidential office was heavy as senior aides observed the live broadcast of the verdict from their workplaces, while Yoon watched from his residence in central Seoul.
Shortly after the ruling was announced at 11:22 a.m., the officials lowered the presidential flag outside the Yongsan office.
With the court's decision removing him from office, Yoon is anticipated to leave the presidential residence shortly, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
It remains uncertain whether Yoon will relocate to his private home in southern Seoul later today, as preparations may require additional time.
Former South Korean President Park Geun-hye departed the former presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae two days post her impeachment confirmation by the Constitutional Court in 2017.
Both Yoon and former First Lady Kim Keon Hee will maintain protection from the Presidential Security Service (PSS) for five years, which can be extended if deemed necessary by the service's chief.
Yoon's security team will mainly focus on safeguarding his residence, but he will not be provided with a security convoy while traveling.
The Constitutional Court's ruling followed the National Assembly's impeachment of Yoon on December 14 due to his martial law declaration. Yoon completed less than three years of his five-year term commencing in May 2022.
With his removal, South Korea is set to conduct a snap presidential election within 60 days.
