South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is currently being held at the Seoul Detention Center, held a meeting with several senior aides on Friday. The meeting, which lasted from 10 to 10:30 a.m., saw Yoon urging his aides to stay committed to their duties. A presidential official confirmed that among those present were National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik, Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk, and three other senior officials.
This was Yoon’s first encounter with his close associates since his detention on January 19 following the controversial declaration of martial law. Despite his current circumstances, Yoon assured his aides that he was “doing well” and expressed that the detention center, located in Uiwang, Gyeonggi, was “also a place where people live.”
On Friday, Yoon Suk Yeol’s senior aides, including Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk and National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik, visited him at the Seoul Detention Center. A senior official from the presidential office reported that Yoon was in good health and maintained a calm demeanor throughout the meeting.
The President encouraged his staff to stay focused on their responsibilities despite the challenging circumstances. “The presidential office is at the center of state affairs, so do not feel discouraged and continue to do your best,” he said.
Yoon also took the opportunity to inquire about the state of public welfare during the recent Lunar New Year holiday. He asked his aides if the medical system had functioned smoothly and if elderly citizens had experienced any difficulties. The visit, which lasted about 30 minutes, was Yoon’s first meeting with his aides since his detention on January 19, following charges related to his controversial attempt to impose martial law.
The meeting took place in a designated area of the detention center, distinct from where other inmates are held. It marked the first opportunity for Yoon’s aides to meet with him since the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials removed visitation restrictions on January 24, which had been in effect during the Lunar New Year holiday.
With Yoon’s case still pending, speculation surrounds his upcoming trial. Local reports suggest that Yoon, who was indicted on January 26 for insurrection, may face an initial verdict by late July.
His case is likely to be assigned to the Seoul Central District Court, where it is expected to be handled by Criminal Division 25, dealing with cases related to the martial law incident. Yoon may eventually stand trial alongside other high-ranking officials, including former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and others accused of being involved in the same alleged conspiracy.
In the meantime, Yoon is expected to continue receiving visits from key figures within his ruling People Power Party. However, given the limitation of one visit per day, his wife, First Lady Kim Keon Hee, may not visit him for the time being. With the trial ahead, many are closely watching the legal developments surrounding Yoon’s charges and the political implications for South Korea’s leadership.
The case is expected to move swiftly through the legal system, with preliminary hearings likely to begin in February and the main trial set for March. Given the unprecedented nature of prosecuting a sitting president, the court is anticipated to hold intensive hearings, possibly scheduling two to three per week. This approach is in line with past trials of former presidents, such as Park Geun-hye in 2017 and Lee Myung-bak in 2020, who both faced frequent hearings under similar circumstances.
