[The Editors' Verdict] Words That Should Have Been in Yoon's Final Statement

There are words that carry warmth. Words of comfort and empathy that understand the pain of others. If one is a politician, especially a national leader, they must know how to embrace the people with their words. This ability does not simply arise spontaneously. Based on an attitude of listening, one who reflects on themselves can embrace words of introspection and consolation.

Why did so many people await President Yoon Seok-yeol’s “final statement in the impeachment trial” on the 25th? It was because they wanted to hear words from the person who had been responsible for the nation over the past three years. As a figure whose words carry the weight to resolve the chaos and tension in our society, people waited for what the president would say.

On that day, the president delivered a final statement lasting 67 minutes and spanning 77 pages. It was not only about the emergency martial law issue. Reflecting on his time as president, he enumerated his achievements in state affairs. In fact, the final statement contained content suitable for a presidential New Year’s press conference, covering the overall state of governance. It included evaluations related to economic indicators as well as future visions such as constitutional amendments. Opportunities to speak for over an hour with the nation’s eyes and ears focused on you are rare. Did the president’s words that day come as warmth to soothe the cold hearts of the people?

It is necessary to revisit the starting point of the problem, the December 3 emergency martial law incident. After the emergency martial law, many people endured sleepless nights. Tossing and turning in the middle of the night, checking their phones repeatedly became a habit. Why do people still startle at emergency disaster texts about earthquakes sent in the early morning? It means the shock and fear of the emergency martial law still reside in their hearts.

President Yoon Suk-yeol is delivering his final statement at the 11th impeachment trial hearing held at the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 25th. Photo by Yonhap News

The emergency martial law cast a dark cloud over society as a whole. Overflowing words of division threaten our society. Hatred and discord have torn apart parent-child relationships, marital bonds, and friendships. The already difficult economic situation has frozen even further. Self-employed individuals endured a nightmare-like year-end and New Year period. There are stories that cannot be ignored, such as those who wanted to close their businesses due to poor sales but could not even shut their doors because they lacked demolition costs. Companies hesitate to invest, and individuals close their wallets. The uncertainty of the future depresses everyone. It is hard to dismiss as mere jokes the self-deprecating remarks like “I woke up in a backward country.”

What if even just a few pages of the 77-page final statement had conveyed a message of consolation to the people with an attitude of reflection? There is no need for grand promises or commitments. Even a single line, such as “Dear citizens, how hard life must be for you,” if spoken sincerely, would have come as comfort.

In the place where pages promoting state achievements were placed, the president should have expressed his apologies for the harsh realities faced by the people. The final statement, lacking words of reflection, feels hollow. Rather than taking full responsibility for the emergency martial law incident, shifting blame to others leaves one speechless. While this attitude may suit lawyers disputing interests in court, it is far from the demeanor of a dignified national leader. It is also disrespectful to the 16,394,815 people who elected him as president.

The curtain has fallen. Now only the Constitutional Court’s judgment remains. If a day comes when President Yoon looks back on his life, the day he gave his final statement may come to be remembered as a painful day. It may be remembered as the day he left the stage of history without saying the words the people had waited for...

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