January 15, 2025, marks a watershed moment in South Korean history. For the first time, a sitting President, Yoon Suk Yeol, has been detained and placed under investigation by the High-Ranking Officials’ Corruption Investigation Office (CIO).
This unprecedented event has plunged the nation into turmoil. Supporters of President Yoon express outrage and grief, while proponents of his impeachment celebrate fervently.
With the National Assembly having passed the impeachment motion, the President is suspended from his duties. The final decision now rests with the Constitutional Court.
Amid this extraordinary crisis, President Yoon penned a handwritten letter during his seclusion. It reflects his patriotism, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment to the nation. This message is both a personal reflection and a call for unity in the face of division, reminding us of the resilience of democracy and the challenges of leadership.
A Message to the People
My Fellow Citizens,
As we begin a new year, I hope it brings you hope, joy, and countless blessings. May this Year of the Wood Snake be one of brighter days for you and your loved ones.
Since my impeachment on December 14, I have had time to reflect deeply on my role as President. Strangely, it was only after this process began that I fully understood the profound weight of the presidency.
For 26 years as a public servant, through eight months of campaigning, my election victory, the transition of power, and my inauguration, I devoted myself entirely to the duties of leadership. From early morning until late at night, I worked tirelessly, rarely pausing to reflect on the true meaning of this sacred responsibility.
Each decision I made—whether appointing capable officials, addressing crises, or deliberating on matters of diplomacy, security, and economic policy—required careful thought, intense debate, and bold choices. From my youth, I have believed that “effort shapes ability.” This principle has guided me throughout my life, driving my relentless commitment to serve the nation.
Many have advised me to project the authority of the presidency with dignity and prioritize rest. However, the complex and pressing challenges we faced left little room for pause.
Globally, we faced rising security threats, supply chain disruptions, and external economic pressures such as inflation, high interest rates, and currency fluctuations. Domestically, the consequences of past populist policies placed significant burdens on us:
An unsustainable surge in national debt;
Failed real estate measures that left households struggling with heavy loans;
Wage policies that strained small business owners and self-employed individuals.
Despite these obstacles, step-by-step progress was made, thanks to your unwavering trust and support. By abolishing punitive taxation and implementing real estate policies guided by market principles, we stabilized housing prices. By positioning Korea as a global economic leader and opening new international markets, we achieved record-breaking export performance last year.
Remarkably, our exports now rival those of Japan, a nation with 2.5 times our population. In terms of per capita GDP, we have surpassed Japan.
Strengthening the U.S.-ROK alliance with a robust nuclear framework, normalizing relations with Japan, and fostering trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan have significantly bolstered our global standing and enhanced our economic resilience.
On Martial Law and Leadership
During this time of crisis, I made the difficult decision to deploy minimal forces to key locations, including the National Assembly and the National Election Commission. This action was taken to ensure transparency, accountability, and order amid extraordinary circumstances.
The forces were deployed for just two hours and thirty minutes. Upon the National Assembly’s resolution to lift martial law, all forces were peacefully withdrawn without incident or harm.
This was not an attempt to suppress democracy but a constitutional measure to protect it. Martial law is not a crime—it is a legitimate authority entrusted to the President to address national emergencies.
Throughout history, safeguarding democracy has often required difficult and decisive actions. My decision was not motivated by a desire for power but by a commitment to preserve democratic values and protect our sovereignty.
Closing Reflections
As I look back on the past two and a half years, vivid memories of countless challenges and efforts come to mind. There are moments I wish I had been wiser or listened more carefully, but every decision was made with the best intentions for the nation and its people.
This is not a time for despair but for resolve. Democracy, justice, and freedom are not gifts—they are responsibilities we must uphold and protect. History has shown us that no challenge is insurmountable when a nation stands united.
With your strength, courage, and belief in our shared future, South Korea will rise above this trial, emerging stronger, brighter, and more resilient for generations to come.
Thank you, and may this New Year bring peace and blessings to you all.
Yoon Suk Yeol
President of the Republic of Korea
