Dismissed but… Former President Yoon Suk-yeol maintains security detail for 5 years
On the 4th, the Constitutional Court cited the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol and decided on his dismissal, causing him to leave his official residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, and return to civilian status. However, his security detail remains intact.
The current "Act on the Protection of Presidents and Their Security" guarantees a certain level of protection and security even for presidents who have resigned due to impeachment or voluntarily before their term expires. The need for security for former heads of state who dealt with top-level state secrets still exists.
A former president who has completed their term can receive protection from the Presidential Security Service for up to 10 years, unless they express a desire not to. If necessary, a 5-year extension is possible. After this period, the police take over the security detail. Former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Moon Jae-in also receive security under these provisions.
However, in cases like former President Yoon's, where one is dismissed in the middle of their term, the security detail is shortened to 5 years. After that, an extension of 5 years can be granted, allowing for protection for a maximum of 10 years. Once this period concludes, police will continue security in the same manner as they do for presidents who have completed their terms.
In reality, former President Park Geun-hye has also been receiving protection under these regulations since her impeachment in 2017, with her security detail scheduled to last until March 2027.
Strong likelihood of returning to AcroVista… potential change of residence
Former President Yoon and his wife are expected to return to AcroVista in Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, after leaving the presidential residence in Hannam-dong. This was where former President Yoon stayed for about six months, commuting back and forth before moving into the presidential residence after the presidential election.
According to officials, a basic security and safety plan has already been established. However, there is a possibility of being provided with a separate residence to avoid inconvenience to the apartment residents and ensure security safety.
Typically, the Presidential Security Service is responsible for close protection of former presidents, while the police manage outer perimeter security and patrol, as well as personnel support around the residence. If necessary, transport means such as exclusive presidential vehicles, helicopters, and aircraft are also provided.
A police official stated, "At the beginning of the administration, there were only some YouTubers causing disturbances, but now political tension is at its peak, and we are closely monitoring movements from both sides. We are currently adjusting security plans in preparation for former President Yoon's court appearances."
Image source: News1
