Yoon's Final Message... Likely to Express Inevitability of Martial Law and Opposition Party's Misconduct

Devoting Efforts to Finalizing the Last Statement
A Message of National Unity to Be Included

President Yoon Suk-yeol is attending the 10th impeachment trial hearing held at the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 20th. 2025.02.20 Photo by Joint Press Corps

As President Yoon Suk-yeol prepares for his final statement in the impeachment trial on the 25th, the political world is closely watching the tone of his message. Since this will be the last official statement before the Constitutional Court's ruling on the impeachment trial, it could have a significant impact on the political landscape.

According to the Blue House and the presidential legal team on the 24th, President Yoon is meticulously working on drafting his statement while coordinating the content of his final defense. The presidential legal team visited Seoul Detention Center over the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd to meet with President Yoon, where they devised defense strategies and exchanged detailed opinions. Discussions about the final statement are taking place under extreme confidentiality. President Yoon’s legal representatives stated, "The President is preparing the content of his final statement and is listening to various opinions while reflecting deeply."

The core of the final statement is expected to focus on the inevitability of the martial law situation and the President’s own perspective. Emphasizing the legitimacy of martial law and the opposition party’s misconduct, he is expected to mention that the declaration of martial law was unavoidable as President and repeatedly express his reflections. President Yoon, who judged that the opposition caused paralysis in state affairs, is likely to reiterate the urgency that left him no choice but to declare martial law, while also calling for change in the National Assembly.

There are some speculations that President Yoon might propose a "constitutional amendment to shorten the presidential term." Additionally, there is speculation that he might mention resignation, but the President’s spokesperson has dismissed these rumors circulating in political circles. Lawyer Yoon Gap-geun stated, "The proposal for a constitutional amendment to shorten the term was someone’s personal suggestion and does not reflect the President’s intention," adding, "The President would not conditionally agree to anything just to avoid impeachment."

Since this is effectively President Yoon’s last opportunity for unlimited defense, there is strong expectation that his statement will be on par with a national address. Given the political and social turmoil caused by the martial law incident, it is also anticipated that a message of national unity will be included. President Yoon is expected to express regret toward the military and police officials who suffered before and after the martial law incident, as well as call for leniency toward them. One aide said, "He has always been concerned about the youth and future generations," adding, "He hopes the public will understand that his actions were driven by a sincere desire to set the Republic of Korea on the right path."