[Jeongguk Spotlight] "Public Sentiment at Stake"... Attention Focused on Yoon's Final Statement in Ruling Party

The Ruling Party Prepares for President Yoon's Final Statement
Anticipation for a Political Message to Relieve Pressure

The ruling party's attention is focused on President Yoon Seok-yeol's words ahead of the final arguments in the impeachment trial. This is because the direction of public sentiment could change depending on the message President Yoon delivers. Given the possibility of an early presidential election depending on the impeachment trial's outcome, there is also a sense of anticipation for a political message that could relieve the ruling party's pressure.

The Constitutional Court will conclude the impeachment trial on the afternoon of the 25th after President Yoon's final statement. The impeachment prosecutors' chief, Jeong Cheong-rae, chairman of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, and the respondent, President Yoon, will be given unlimited time for their final statements. It is known that President Yoon is still discussing defense strategies with his legal team until the last moment. The legal team stated, "President Yoon is listening to various opinions and carefully considering them."

President Yoon Suk-yeol is attending the '8th Hearing on the Impeachment Trial of President Yoon Suk-yeol' held at the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul on February 13, 2025. Photo by Joint Press Corps

The ruling party is on high alert to see whether President Yoon will continue his previous claims regarding the martial law background. If he emphasizes the legitimacy of martial law until the final statement, it will narrow the path to win over the moderate voters in the early election phase. Rep. Cho Kyung-tae of the People Power Party said in a phone interview, "If he insists there was no wrongdoing until the final argument, the moderate voters could be greatly disappointed," adding, "Regardless of the reasons, he should apologize for causing confusion among the people."

Whether or not President Yoon offers a public apology and the tone of his remarks will also influence public sentiment. Since the legal issues have been addressed, the remaining card is a 'battle for public opinion.' However, expectations within the party are not high. A first-term ruling party lawmaker said, "I think any message of apology or reflection will remain at a general level," and predicted, "I don't think (President Yoon) will consider the future political landscape or the impact on moderate voters."

Within the ruling party, there is hope that President Yoon will express his willingness to accept the impeachment trial's outcome. This would allow them to respond to the early election phase without going through exhausting disputes after the Constitutional Court's ruling. Conversely, rejecting the court's decision could backfire politically like a 'boomerang.'

There are also opinions that a message of national unity or one targeting the 2030 generation is necessary. The judgment is that showing the possibility of conservative change is essential to create new momentum after the impeachment phase. Kim Dae-sik, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party's floor, appeared on SBS Radio's "Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show" that day and said, "Since the entire nation is divided, I hope a message of national unity that fits the spirit of the times will be delivered."