"The phoenix flag is lowered, and the electronic board is turned off"… The atmosphere in the presidential office is essentially heading toward closure.
After the Constitutional Court's decision on impeachment, it seems that former President Yoon Suk-yeol's departure from the Hannam-dong residence will be later than that of former President Park Geun-hye. The presidential office has yet to finalize the schedule for the relocation, and it is reported that little physical and administrative preparation for the departure has been made.
According to a report by Yonhap News TV on the 5th, only minimal staff were present at the presidential office during this weekend. Immediately after former President Yoon was impeached the previous day, the phoenix flag, symbolizing the head of state, was lowered from the flagpole at the main entrance of the office, and the large electronic board in the underground hallway that displayed major events related to former President Yoon was turned off. The atmosphere inside and outside the presidential office has effectively entered ‘cleanup mode.’
On this day, Chief of Staff Jeong Jin-seok and three secretaries reportedly visited the residence for a lunch meeting with former President Yoon. It is said that former President Yoon displayed a composed reaction when he met with them shortly after the Constitutional Court's ruling.
Returning to Seocho-dong is likely, but re-evaluation is underway due to resident opposition and security issues.
For his residence after leaving office, former President Yoon is strongly considered to move back to the AcroVista in Seocho-dong, where he lived before taking office. However, it is reported that a third alternative location is being evaluated in light of security concerns and potential inconvenience for residents.
The Presidential Security Service stated, "Currently, there are no specific relocation plans," adding that various scenarios are being prepared according to relevant laws and regulations. As a result, predictions suggest that former President Yoon's departure from the residence may take longer than the two days it took for former President Park Geun-hye.
It seems that former President Yoon and some of his staff are still remaining at the Hannam-dong residence, and preparations for the departure at the practical level are being delayed. Separately from former President Yoon's return home, adjustments are needed for the security and escort system that will be provided according to his status as a former president.
The situational clearing of political and secretarial staff is also underway… Returns to the presidential campaign expected.
Meanwhile, the high-ranking officials who submitted collective resignations to Acting President Han Duck-soo the previous day will reportedly support the acting president system for the time being as their resignations have been rejected. However, it is expected that personnel from the working level with backgrounds in the political sphere may return to prepare for the presidential election or join each campaign.
The weekend chief secretary meeting, presided over by Chief Jeong Jin-seok, did not take place on this day. The presidential office organization is rapidly moving toward clearance.
Currently, June 3 is being strongly suggested as the date for the next presidential election, and Acting President Han is expected to officially confirm the election date at the cabinet meeting on the 8th.
Image source: Former President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Gun-hee / News1, News1, Chief of Staff Jeong Jin-seok / News1
