What’s Next for Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol After His Ouster?

Yoon Suk Yeol's Departure from Official Residence

Seoul: Former President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, is scheduled to vacate the official residence in central Seoul on Friday, just a week after his removal from office due to a brief martial law declaration made in December.

Yoon and First Lady Kim Keon Hee are expected to leave the official residence at 5 p.m. and move to their private home situated in the southern part of the city, as confirmed by a senior official from the presidential office.

It remains uncertain if Yoon will address the public before his departure.

Prior to his exit, senior aides from the presidential office are anticipated to pay him a visit.

Reports indicate that the Presidential Security Service has assembled a security detail of approximately 40 personnel for Yoon, who is entitled to security for a duration of up to ten years.

On the same day, both supporters and detractors of Yoon are planning to hold demonstrations near the official residence in reaction to his exit.

After taking office in May 2022, Yoon moved the presidential office from Cheong Wa Dae in downtown Seoul to the defense ministry's premises in Yongsan.

For six months, Yoon commuted from his private residence at the Acrovista apartment complex while the new office and residence, which were renovated from the former foreign minister's residence, were being prepared.

In a related development, the South Korean government has officially set June 3 as the date for the upcoming presidential election following Yoon's impeachment.

This decision was made during a Cabinet meeting, just four days after the Constitutional Court upheld Yoon's impeachment due to his brief imposition of martial law.

According to the Constitution, a new election must be conducted within 60 days of a presidential vacancy.

Additionally, June 3 has been declared a temporary public holiday.

The National Election Commission has initiated early candidate registration following the Constitutional Court's decision to dismiss Yoon last Friday.

Candidates must register by May 11, with the official campaign period commencing on May 12.

The law stipulates that any public servant running for the presidency must resign at least 30 days prior to the election, setting May 4 as the deadline.

The newly elected President will take office immediately after the election without a transition team.