Former President Yoon Seok-yeol has made a rare public appearance since his impeachment, as captured in a recent photograph shared by Kim Gye-ri, one of the lawyers who represented him during his impeachment trial. The image, posted on Kim's Facebook account on April 19, 2025, features Yoon smiling alongside Kim and fellow lawyer Bae Ui-cheol, with the caption reading, "20250419. My first president caught by my hand. 'Yoon Bulge' (Yoon Seok-yeol Abuji)." This marks the first time Yoon's face has been publicly visible since he was seen in a car shortly after his impeachment on April 4, only moments before returning home.
The meeting, believed to have taken place at a restaurant near Acrovista in Seocho-gu, Seoul, has garnered significant attention from the political sphere, particularly as it relates to the ongoing discussions surrounding the formation of the 'Yoon Again' party. Both Kim and Bae have been involved in the legal team that defended Yoon during his impeachment and are now reportedly working towards establishing this new political party.
On April 17, the duo had announced a press conference to unveil the details of the 'Yoon Again' party, scheduled for the following day at 1 PM in Yeouido. However, just hours later, they abruptly postponed the event, citing "pressure pouring in from the People Power Party" as the reason for their decision. In their statement regarding the cancellation, they mentioned that too many misunderstandings and speculations were circulating, which could burden Yoon, leading them to defer the announcement in accordance with his wishes.
In their statement, the lawyers conveyed Yoon's intentions regarding the party, stating, "The president's intention was that 'the voluntary Yoon Again movement of young people should not appear as political interference, and I will be with the pure political movement of young people like a father.'" The use of the term 'Yoon Bulge' by Kim appears to align with this sentiment, suggesting a personal connection to Yoon's legacy.
Despite the excitement surrounding the potential formation of the party, Yoon has made it clear that he does not plan to join or directly participate in the new political group. Reports indicate that he concluded the recent meeting with his legal team by emphasizing that “now is the time to unite forces.” This statement reflects an awareness of the delicate political situation he is navigating following his impeachment.
The political implications of Yoon's public appearances and statements are not lost on observers. There is a palpable concern within the People Power Party regarding Yoon's public messaging during a politically sensitive period, particularly as he seeks to support the new party's founders while maintaining a low profile. His recent interactions suggest a strategic approach to bolster the morale of his supporters without directly engaging in the political fray.
Kim has previously stirred controversy during the impeachment process, notably during the final hearing on February 25, 2025, when she made headlines with her remarks about the Democratic Party. She stated, "The Democratic Party, which didn't even know I was doing pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare, is confirming my paltry defeat and is throwing me into this incident to take away the time I spend with my child. I'm a trap." This statement not only highlighted her personal struggles but also positioned her as a vocal critic of the opposing party.
The recent photograph shared by Kim, which shows the three sitting together at a table laden with food, encapsulates a moment of camaraderie amidst the political turmoil. The image, coupled with Kim's caption, suggests a blend of nostalgia and hope for a resurgence in Yoon's political career.
As the political landscape evolves, the dynamics within the People Power Party and the potential for the 'Yoon Again' party to gain traction remain closely watched. The upcoming public hearing on April 21 regarding Yoon's legal challenges will likely further complicate the situation, as he continues to navigate the aftermath of his impeachment while attempting to rally support for a new political movement.
In a recent communication with YTN, Kim clarified that aside from the encouraging phrase "Be calm and strong"—which has been a recurring theme for Yoon since his time as Prosecutor General—there were no additional messages exchanged during their meeting. This phrase, drawn from Hemingway's novel 'The Old Man and the Sea,' has become symbolic of Yoon's resilience and determination.
The unfolding narrative of Yoon Seok-yeol's political journey, marked by his impeachment and the potential founding of a new party, reflects the complexities of South Korean politics, where public perception and internal party dynamics play crucial roles. As observers await further developments, the interplay between Yoon's past, present, and future will undoubtedly shape the political discourse in the coming months.
