Yoon Leaves Official Residence After a Week
Counter-Protests Emerge Amid YouTuber Support
On the afternoon of the 11th, when former President Yoon Seok-yeol left the Hannam-dong residence and moved to his Seocho-dong private home, counter rallies by supporters and opposition groups were held throughout downtown Seoul.
On this day, former President Yoon departed from the Hannam-dong residence to relocate to his Seocho-dong private home. It has been 886 days since he completed moving into the Hannam-dong residence on November 7, 2022. It is reported that before departure, he exchanged final greetings with aides who came to the residence.
Former President Yoon Suk-yeol is greeting supporters before heading to his private residence in Seocho-dong after leaving the official residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul on the 11th. Photo by Yonhap News / Joint Coverage Team
According to the police, as of 3 p.m., two hours before former President Yoon's departure, about 500 people were unofficially estimated to have gathered around the Hannam-dong residence. In the morning, about 10 supporters held signs reading "Yoon Again" and "Disband the Democratic Party," along with Taegeukgi flags, cheering for former President Yoon. Banners with slogans such as "Yoon Seok-yeol Fighting, Impeachment Invalid" were also hung in various places along the streets.
On the 11th, when former President Yoon Seok-yeol is known to be moving from the Hannam-dong residence to the Seocho-dong private house, police are standing guard near the Acrovista private house in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
YouTuber Shinuihansu held a rally supporting former President Yoon in front of the Volvo Building near the residence at 3 p.m. The number of participants was reported as 10,000. The host claimed, "The Presidential Security Service contacted us saying identities must be verified," and requested, "Please prepare ID cards up to people in their 40s." He also said, "Former President Yoon may personally shake hands. Because this is a request from his side, people in their 50s, 60s, and 70s are not allowed to enter."
In front of the Acrovista in Seocho-dong, a flower bouquet box ordered by a resident was placed. Security guards of the mixed-use residential building patrolled to control outsiders.
On the sidewalk in front of the Volvo Building in Hannam-dong, the Candlelight Victory Transition Action (Candlelight Action), which has been holding rallies supporting impeachment, held a "Demand for Former President Yoon's Arrest" rally. About 20 participants holding signs reading "Prison Again" and "Yoon Seok-yeol Get Out" urged the re-arrest of former President Yoon and his prompt departure.
Meanwhile, on the afternoon of the 11th, as former President Yoon left the Hannam-dong residence, he delivered a public message saying, "I will find a new path for the country and the people." In a statement released through his legal representatives along with his departure, former President Yoon said, "I will now return as one of the citizens of the Republic of Korea and seek a new path for the country and the people," adding, "I will spare no effort, however small, for the free and prosperous Korea that the people and I have dreamed of together."
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