Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol left the official residence in Seoul’s Hannam-dong on April 11 and returned to his private home in the city’s Seocho District, a week after the Constitutional Court upheld his impeachment.
It marked Yoon’s return to Seocho 886 days after moving into the presidential residence on Nov. 7, 2022.
In a message to the public, Yoon said he would now resume life as a private citizen and “seek a new path to serve the country and its people.”
“I will do my utmost, however limited my capacity may be, for the Republic of Korea we dreamed of together—a nation of freedom and prosperity,” he said.
At around 5:09 p.m., the gates of the residence opened and Yoon emerged in a navy suit without a tie, waving to supporters as he walked out. An estimated 2,000 people had gathered outside, many waving South Korean flags and holding signs reading “Yoon Again.” The crowd chanted slogans such as “Yoon Again” and “Nullify impeachment.”
Supporters shouted “President Yoon!” and cheered as he shook hands and hugged students wearing university baseball jackets. Some were seen in tears, with a few crying out, “We’re sorry, Mr. President.” After boarding a black Carnival van, Yoon rolled down the window and raised a clenched fist in farewell.
