[Yongsan Report] Yoon's Closing Arguments Near... Pro-Yoon Faction Makes Last Stand Amid Dismissal Hopes

Presidential Office and Political Circles on High Alert Ahead of Constitutional Court Ruling
Public Opinion Favors "Removal"... Pro-Yoon Camp Hopes for "Dismissal"
'Shaking the Constitutional Court' Intensifies as the Ruling Approaches

President Yoon Suk-yeol is attending the 5th impeachment trial hearing held at the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul on February 4, 2025. Photo by Joint Press Corps

As the ruling on President Yoon Seok-yeol's impeachment trial is expected to come as early as the beginning of next month, there is both anxiety and anticipation within the Yongsan Presidential Office. Although the observation remains that public opinion favoring impeachment is still higher, there is a hopeful attitude buoyed by favorable poll results. The president's legal team and the pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Seok-yeol) camp are intensifying their last-minute efforts to 'shake the Constitutional Court.'

A presidential office official said on the 14th, "We believe the probability that the Constitutional Court will dismiss President Yoon's impeachment is over fifty percent." The Constitutional Court is scheduled to hold its 9th hearing on the 18th, listening to the National Assembly's and President Yoon's sides for two hours each. Even if one or two additional witness examinations are held, the trial procedures are expected to conclude by the end of this month, with a ruling likely in early to mid-next month.

As the conclusion of the trial approaches, both the presidential office and political circles are on high alert regarding the outcome. Among pro-Yoon figures within the presidential office, there is growing expectation for dismissal, given that President Yoon's approval ratings have risen significantly compared to the early days of the impeachment and that sufficient explanations have been provided regarding the background of the emergency martial law declaration. The presidential office has also been actively supporting by conveying messages from President Yoon, who was recently detained.

However, public opinion still shows a majority in favor of impeachment. According to the National Barometer Survey (NBS) conducted from the 10th to the 12th by Embrain Public, K-STATS Research, Korea Research, and Hankook Research, surveying 1,001 men and women aged 18 and over nationwide, 58% supported the dismissal of President Yoon. Both ruling and opposition parties have effectively begun behind-the-scenes preparations for an early presidential election following President Yoon's potential removal. Leading figures in the ruling party, such as former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, are also expanding their activities in preparation for the election.

President Yoon's side has taken a last-ditch stance, even risking 'shaking the Constitutional Court.' Yoon's legal representative, lawyer Yoon Gap-geun, suggested the possibility of a total resignation, stating, "If the current Constitutional Court proceedings continue, we will have no choice but to make a serious decision." Previously, former President Park Geun-hye's legal team also threatened total resignation ahead of the impeachment ruling. Korean history lecturer Jeon Han-gil and others have intensified their criticism, saying, "If the Constitutional Court upholds the impeachment, it will disappear into history."