Yoon Seok-yeol Begins Public Schedule, Political Circles on High Alert

Yoon Attends Opening Ceremony of Independence Activist Udang Lee Hoe-yeong Memorial Hall

Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol (right) is taking a commemorative photo after meeting with Jeon Jun-young, the president of the Cheonan Ship Survivors Veterans Association. (Provided by Former Prosecutor General Yoon's Office)

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] The political world is on high alert as former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, who is widely speculated to be about to announce his presidential bid, has announced a public schedule for the 9th.

On that day, Yoon will attend the opening ceremony of the Independence Activist Woo-dang Lee Hoe-young Memorial Hall held at Namsan Yejang Park in Seoul, hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. At this event, Yoon is likely to address various questions related to his potential entry into the People Power Party. Yoon’s side said in a phone call, "Yoon has long respected the great independence activist Woo-dang," adding, "He will follow the rules set by Woo-dang’s descendants and the Seoul city government, but is expected to say a few words."

This is the first time Yoon’s team has publicly disclosed his external schedule to the media since the early voting for the April 7 by-elections. However, at that time, it was interpreted as a measure to prevent inconvenience to the neighborhood due to reporters gathering near his residence’s polling station. In fact, Yoon did not leave any message after voting.

However, this time the situation is somewhat different as he is attending an official event. Reports have emerged that Yoon has been in contact with several members of the People Power Party, and there are even rumors of his party entry in early June, so Yoon may feel the need to express his political stance. The opening ceremony will also be attended by Lee Jong-chan, former Director of the National Intelligence Service and grandson of Woo-dang. Lee Jong-chan’s son is Lee Cheol-woo, a longtime friend of Yoon and a professor at Yonsei University.