Cheonan and Asan Residents: "Did Not Expect President Yoon's Release"

Reactions Divided
"Of Course" vs "Can't Understand"

President Yoon Sukyeol is drinking water during his final statement at the 11th hearing of the presidential impeachment trial held at the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul on February 25, 2025. Photo by Constitutional Court

Regarding the release of President Yoon Sukyeol, who was detained and indicted on charges of being the 'ringleader of insurrection' during the December 3 Martial Law crisis, citizens of Cheonan and Asan in South Chungcheong Province expressed surprise at the news.

Conservative-leaning citizens claimed it was a natural outcome, while progressive-leaning citizens said they could not understand the decision.

Park (93, male), a conservative resident of Wonseong-dong, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan, said, "I did not expect it, but I think it's fortunate. Martial law was declared because proper politics could not be conducted due to the tyranny of the majority party," and added, "There was no damage, so detaining him was excessive."

Park (35, male), whom we met near Cheonan City Hall, also said, "Public opinion was so bad that I didn't think he would be released," and predicted, "I think this could influence the re-election in the neighboring town (Asan)."

Choi (in his 50s, male), whom we met near Buldang-dong, also said, "He exercised his powers as president, so I don't understand why he was detained," emphasizing, "I really didn't expect him to be released, but of course, this (release) is the right thing."

On the other hand, Park (32, male), whom we met at the Asan City Hall parking lot, said, "The president being tried without detention is just a procedural decision and doesn't mean much," adding, "Just as the court removed our mayor from office according to law and principle, I hope the president's position will also be revoked."

Kang (51, male), a self-employed person near Dujeong-dong, Cheonan, said, "I can't believe it. I just learned about the release after your question," and lamented, "I don't know what becomes of the citizens who went out into the cold streets."

Kang (in her 50s, female), who revealed that she was previously a Democratic Party member, criticized, "He kept making absurd arguments and was eventually released," and added, "The entire nation witnessed the insurrection, so I can't understand why he was released from a common-sense perspective."

Meanwhile, the 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Chief Judge Ji Guyon) accepted President Yoon's request for cancellation of detention, which was filed on the 4th of last month.

President Yoon's side argued that the investigation and indictment process by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials on the insurrection charge were all illegal, and that there was no risk of evidence destruction, calling for his release.