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President Yoon Seok-yeol, who had remained silent since his suspension from duty, issued a statement regarding the passenger plane disaster at Muan International Airport, saying he "will stand with the people." Amid the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency (HOCI) strongly considering forcibly securing President Yoon's custody, there is an analysis that President Yoon may actively engage in a public opinion battle through off-site messages.

On the 29th, President Yoon posted on his social media (SNS), expressing "an extremely sorrowful and devastating heart" and stating, "I believe the government will do its best to manage the accident and support the victims." Since his duties were suspended due to impeachment proceedings, he used the indirect expression "believe" rather than giving direct orders, but he revealed his intention to contribute by standing with the people during this crisis.

It is known that President Yoon will continue to release such messages whenever necessary. There is a possibility that a New Year's message or a statement regarding the Constitutional Court's impeachment trial will be issued soon. Although he suffered political damage due to the declaration of martial law and impeachment proceedings, he has gained confidence and can raise his voice as his support base, including the People Power Party and some conservative groups, has rallied and amplified opposition to the impeachment.

President Yoon Suk-yeol is delivering a national address at his residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, on the 14th, the day his impeachment motion was passed in the National Assembly. Photo by Yonhap News

In the political sphere, there was an interpretation that President Yoon's message the previous day was a strategic move to wage a public opinion battle ahead of the prosecution and police investigations. In fact, President Yoon has refused to appear three times until the previous day without providing specific reasons for the HOCI's summons for investigation on charges of rebellion. Accordingly, the joint investigation headquarters is reportedly strongly considering requesting an arrest warrant for President Yoon.

Concerns are emerging that if President Yoon embarks on a full-scale off-site battle, national division could deepen further. This is because President Yoon's messages could indirectly serve as behavioral guidelines for the ruling party or conservative groups. Choi Sang-mok, the acting Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, who must decide on the appointment of constitutional court judges and whether to exercise the right to request reconsideration (veto) of the special prosecutor law, cannot help but pay attention to public opinion.

However, in the legal community, there is also an analysis that President Yoon's refusal to cooperate with the investigation and his impeachment delay strategy could work against him. Professor Kim Seon-taek of Korea University Law School said, "In President Yoon's case, since he is accused of rebellion and is currently suspended from duty, he can be arrested and detained," adding, "According to Article 84 of the Constitution, the privilege against prosecution does not apply, so it is appropriate for the Presidential Security Service to cooperate."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.