Expanded Political Influence During Impeachment Process
Likely to Retain Consolidated Far-Right Conservative Support
Lee Jaemyung Also Expected to Reject Decision if Dismissed
Social Chaos and Conflict Seem Unavoidable
The Constitutional Court will announce its decision on the impeachment trial of President Yoon Seok-yeol at 11 a.m. on the 4th. In political circles, there are concerns that President Yoon, who has increased his political influence during the impeachment process, may not issue a message of acceptance if the impeachment is upheld, while on the other hand, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, may refuse to accept the decision if it is dismissed or rejected.
Choi Jae-sung, former senior secretary for political affairs at the Blue House, appeared on CBS Radio that day and said, "President Yoon was at the center of the conservative bloc's consolidation during this impeachment process," adding, "Even if he is removed from office, he is likely to issue a message of non-acceptance rather than acceptance and take steps to maintain his political influence."
President Yoon Seok-yeol, who was released from Seoul Detention Center, arrived in front of his residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul on the 8th of last month, getting out of the vehicle and greeting his supporters. 2025.3.8 Photo by Yonhap News
Choi also said, "The People Power Party has actually ridden on the consolidation of the conservative bloc and extreme right-wing violent claims, with President Yoon at the center," and added, "If he is removed and an early presidential election is held, no presidential candidate will be able to cut ties with or attack President Yoon and become a candidate easily." Choi agreed with the opinion that President Yoon might challenge party leadership after removal to consolidate his support base.
Kim Sung-tae, former floor leader of the People Power Party, said, "Former President Park Geun-hye tried not to impose any political burden on the ruling Saenuri Party," but added, "However, there were conflicts during the Constitutional Court trial process and the execution of the arrest warrant. In such a situation, it is questionable whether President Yoon will easily erase himself and send a message." Kim predicted that if the decision is dismissal or rejection, President Yoon will propose a 'roadmap for early resignation' by amending the 1987 Constitution through a constitutional amendment process.
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the 'Emergency Question Session on the Management of Wildfire Situations and Damage Countermeasures in Gyeongbuk, Gyeongnam, and Ulsan Regions and the Protection of Constitutional Order' held at the National Assembly plenary session on April 3, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyun-min
Kim also anticipated that it would be difficult to hear a message of acceptance from Lee Jae-myung if the impeachment is dismissed. He pointed out, "For several days, many media and religious groups pressured that messages of unity and acceptance are important, but Lee Jae-myung has consistently refused, and his aides have pressured the Constitutional Court, saying that if the impeachment is not upheld, they have no choice but to reject it," adding, "This already presupposes tremendous social chaos and conflict." Lee had previously responded to a question about whether he would accept the impeachment trial result during a meeting with reporters on the 2nd by saying, "Acceptance is something Yoon Seok-yeol should do."
Kim further said, "If an early presidential election occurs, a certain Mr. Mo from the Democratic Party will become president, and if that happens... In today's questionnaire, there was a question about the fate of First Lady Kim Geon-hee, which we did not get to, but suddenly the four-character idiom 'myeolmunjihwa' (annihilation of a family line) comes to mind," adding, "It's frightening."
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