Yoon to Supporters: "The Journey Fighting to Defend Sovereignty Will Be Recorded as a Great History"

Statement Released Through Legal Team

Yonhap News

Former President Yoon Seok-yeol stated on the 6th, "Your journey of realizing the nation's grave crisis and fighting to protect freedom and sovereignty will be recorded as a great chapter in the history of the Republic of Korea."

In a statement released through his legal team that afternoon, former President Yoon expressed, "I deeply appreciate your support and encouragement," and added, "I feel sorry and saddened."

Former President Yoon sent a message to his support group, the 'National Defense Lawyers,' without officially accepting the Constitutional Court's dismissal ruling. The National Defense Lawyers is a support group led by Yoon's lawyer Seok Dong-hyun, created to foster public opposition to the impeachment during the Constitutional Court's impeachment trial against former President Yoon.

Yoon said, "National Defense Lawyers, I remember your first cheer that filled Cheonggye Plaza on the evening of February 13," and added, "Although my body was in detention, my heart was with you."

He continued, "I saw people fighting with a single-minded determination to protect freedom and sovereignty from all over the country, including Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and Daejeon," and said, "I also heard the cries of young students on the streets and in correctional facilities."

Former President Yoon reflected, "Those who endured hardships and continued fasting, those who showed their firm will by shaving their heads, each and every one’s passionate love for the country brought tears to my eyes."

He also urged, "Young people, you are the owners of this country and its future," and advised, "No matter how difficult today's reality is, never be discouraged."

Yoon added, "As long as you young people do not lose courage, our future will be bright," and said, "Although I have stepped down from the presidency, I will always stand by your side."