Yoon, Changes After Election... 'Folder Appointments and Polite Text Messages'

Since Confirming Election Victory on the 10th, Bowing Politely to Those Who Helped
Sent 'Thank You' Texts Directly to Legal Circle Acquaintances Who Agreed to Interviews

President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol is speaking at the first plenary meeting of the Presidential Transition Committee held at the Financial Supervisory Service Training Institute in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 18th. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporters Kum Boryeong, Lee Gimin] The existing image of President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol is best represented by the term 'tough prosecutor.' He worked as a 'special investigator' within the prosecution organization for about 30 years, uncovering various crimes, and he rose to the position of Prosecutor General by emphasizing principled leadership. During his tenure as Prosecutor General, he openly criticized political and policy pressures from the government and ruling party, often clashing with the current administration. Yoon's statement, "I do not pledge loyalty to individuals," reflects a facet of his 'unyielding' character.

However, since his election was confirmed on the 10th, Yoon has been showing those around him a 'humble attitude' and 'gentleness.'

On the 19th, an official who closely assisted Yoon's campaign said, "On the day his election was confirmed on the 10th, Yoon greeted those who had worked with him by bowing deeply and respectfully, which was surprising. To exaggerate slightly, it was almost like a 'folded bow'."

This demeanor has continued even after his election. Another associate of Yoon said, "Although he usually greeted people well, after his election, he bowed more politely and humbly to those who supported him, which was very impressive. It seems he is trying to be more humble and adopt a lower posture after being elected." This contrasts with the confident 'uppercut' attitude he showed during the campaign period.

Recently, some acquaintances from the legal community who supported Yoon's governance were surprised when he personally contacted them with respect and courtesy. This was different from his straightforward personality as a prosecutor, when he used informal terms like 'hyung' (older brother) and 'au' (younger brother) with colleagues.

As interviews with people who have closely observed Yoon continue, a legal professional who responded to these interviews received a text message from Yoon a few days ago. He said, "Unlike usual, I received a message from Yoon in honorific language saying 'Thank you very much.' Since Yoon usually uses informal terms, it felt unfamiliar, but it made me realize that he has truly become president-elect."

Yoon also emphasized 'humility' in official settings. At the first full meeting of the Presidential Transition Committee held the day after its official launch, a banner with Yoon's handwritten message, "We will humbly uphold the will of the people," was displayed in the background.

President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol is presiding over the first plenary meeting of the Presidential Transition Committee on the morning of the 18th at the Financial Supervisory Service Training Institute in Jongno-gu, Seoul. (Photo by Yonhap News)