Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol returned to his private home on Friday with crowds of tearful fans welcoming him as he left the official presidential residence after his ouster from office.
Yoon was impeached by the Constitutional Court last week, marking the end of four months of political turmoil ignited by his contentious December decision to apply martial law a measure that shook South Korea’s politics to its core.
With the nation set to go to a snap election on June 3, there is doubt over whether Yoon will stay politically engaged, particularly as his impeachment has created powerful responses from conservative backers and exacerbated social rifts.
Hundreds of Yoon’s loyal supporters came to bid him farewell from outside the presidential compound, many of whom were visibly emotional. The ex-leader paused momentarily to bid them farewell, donning a red “Make Korea Great Again” cap given to him by a supporter.
In a signed statement released via his attorney, Yoon stated, “Now I will return to being one of the people… and seek a new path for the country and the people.”
Yoon and his wife have returned to live in a 37-storey apartment building in Seoul with their numerous pet dogs and cats. More than 280 police officers were deployed around the building to maintain security, and he should be guarded by a 50-member security detail.
Even though he stepped down from office, Yoon remains to face grave legal hurdles. He is scheduled to go on trial for purportedly masterminding an insurrection charges that could merit life imprisonment or even capital punishment.
At the same time, the conservative People Power Party is in a frenzy to identify a strong candidate for the next election. Recent polls indicate that liberal opposition leader Lee Jae-myung is ahead at 37% support, while the leading conservative candidate lags behind at merely 9%.
Lee has promised to mend political rifts and spur South Korea’s high-tech economy.