[Yongsan Report] Yoon's Return-to-Duty Remarks... The Presidential Office's Complex Feelings

"I Will Return and Achieve Generational Unity" Message
Difficult to Remain Idle Amid Possibility of Early Presidential Election

On the afternoon of the 20th, at the Grand Bench of the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul, President Yoon Seok-yeol, seated during the 10th impeachment trial, is seen conversing with his lawyer.
February 20, 2025. Photo by Joint Press Corps

"I will return to my duties quickly and lead the Republic of Korea with the power of generational unity."

As the Constitutional Court plans to conclude the impeachment trial arguments on the 25th, the message conveyed by President Yoon Seok-yeol through his legal team has become a focal point in political circles. With expectations that the court will deliver its verdict around mid-next month, he made remarks assuming his return to office.

President Yoon’s legal team stated the day before that "President Yoon has urged the older and established generations to work together with the younger generation through generational unity to create a better future." Attorney Seok Dong-hyun elaborated on the morning of the 21st, saying, "The President has often mentioned that for the future development of our country, efforts toward regional harmony and integration, as well as generational unity?meaning the 2030 youth generation and the established generations joining forces?are essential."

Although President Yoon expressed a strong will to resume his duties, the presidential office is unsettled as the impeachment verdict approaches. They are on high alert for the possibility of an early presidential election, which could become a reality around mid-March. On the surface, they appear to be hoping for the dismissal of the impeachment.

However, it is pointed out that preparations related to political changes, such as redefining relations with the party in the event of impeachment approval, are unavoidable. As potential ruling party presidential candidates begin their moves aimed at an early election, the calculations within the presidential office have become more complicated.

A presidential office official said, "As the Constitutional Court’s impeachment trial enters its final stages, President Yoon is carrying out his usual scheduled duties in preparation for his return." It was explained that they are closely monitoring the court’s situation while continuing the daily senior secretaries’ meetings chaired by Chief Presidential Secretary Jeong Jin-seok. Another aide remarked, "Mentioning an early election is almost taboo within the presidential office," adding, "Who could openly talk about impeachment approval?"

However, the senior aides’ minds are burning with anxiety. The ongoing expos?s by political broker Myung Tae-gyun, the fact that although the verdict is yet to be announced, ruling party presidential hopefuls such as Kim Moon-soo, Oh Se-hoon, Han Dong-hoon, and Hong Joon-pyo have already started warming up, all contribute to their unease.

Some within the ruling party mention the need to prepare a ‘Plan B’ in case of impeachment approval, but with the verdict pending, they are caught in a dilemma. A key ruling party official said, "Currently, the People Power Party is only engaging in ‘minimal defense’ by counterattacking after the Democratic Party has taken the initiative on issues."