People Who Know Yoon Seok-yeol Say "Yoon Is a Straightforward Person Without Personal Motives"

President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol is seen clenching his fist after delivering a closing remark at the People Power Party's presidential election campaign headquarters disbandment ceremony held on the afternoon of the 10th at the National Assembly Library in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers.

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[Asia Economy reporters Ki-min Lee and Jun-yi Park] “Every action he takes is bold and straightforward, and he is a person without selfish intentions. Even while serving as president, if his aides support him well, he can certainly contribute to the country's development.”

On the 13th, close associates who have supported President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol since their days as classmates at Seoul National University Law School, fellow Judicial Research and Training Institute trainees, senior and junior prosecutors, and during his political activities, unanimously described Yoon as “someone who prioritizes others over himself and public interest over private gain.”

Heo Chang-eon, former head of the Financial Security Institute and a classmate of Yoon at Seoul National University Law School, recalled, “He is spirited and lively, with a warmth that belies his appearance. Though large in stature, he is a warm friend. He also enjoyed sports like basketball and soccer. Since Yoon graduated from Chung-Ang High School, he liked baseball as well.” He added, “Justice, fairness, and common sense have always been Yoon’s guiding principles. The negative campaigns were related to his wife (Kim Keon-hee), not him personally. He will devote himself wholeheartedly and justly.”

Lee Heung-rak, representative lawyer at Logos Law Firm and a fellow 23rd Judicial Research and Training Institute trainee and former prosecutor, said, “From what I have observed, Yoon is a big-hearted person who does not pursue personal gain.” He recalled, “At the institute, he was known as the ‘director-level trainee’ among his peers, playing the role of a big brother.” Because Yoon became a trainee after nine attempts at the bar exam, his relatively younger peers jokingly called him the “director-level trainee,” referring to his age being similar to that of the institute’s director. Yoon provided career guidance and personal counseling to his peers and led social gatherings from his early days as a junior prosecutor, earning their respect. Lee expressed concern about the difficult domestic and international political, economic, and diplomatic situations but said, “If his aides support him properly, he will be able to fulfill the role of president well.”

Senior and junior prosecutors who worked closely with Yoon also praised his upright leadership that does not seek personal gain. Kim Kyung-soo, a lawyer at Yulchon Law Firm and former head of the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office’s Criminal Investigation Department who served as Daegu High Prosecutors’ Office chief when Yoon worked there in 2015, said, “He is straightforward and does not hold grudges. He is honest in saying what is right and what is wrong. He is not the type to whitewash black things for personal gain.” Yoon was demoted after exposing pressure on investigations during his time as head of the special investigation team for the 2013 National Intelligence Service public opinion manipulation case, famously stating that he “does not serve people,” and worked as a prosecutor at Daegu High Prosecutors’ Office from 2014 to January 2016. Kim advised, “Since he lacks political connections and roots, and given the current situation of a ruling party minority, I hope he governs cautiously by gathering diverse opinions without rushing to conclusions.”

A prosecutor who worked closely with Yoon at the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office during his tenure as Prosecutor General also described his leadership as bold and warm. He said, “I always felt that he aimed in the right direction and encouraged his colleagues to follow the right path together,” adding, “He has a unique leadership that unites his subordinates.”

President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol is holding a victory greeting press conference on the morning of the 10th at the National Assembly Library in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

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Since entering politics last year and transforming from a prosecutor to a politician, lawmakers who have supported Yoon’s political activities describe him as a person who possesses the determination to confront power while showing a gentle side to those around him.

Jang Je-won, a People Power Party lawmaker appointed as Yoon’s chief of staff, first met Yoon in 2019 when Yoon was Prosecutor General and Jang acted as a “sharpshooter” during intense scrutiny. Jang explained that this encounter eventually led to their collaboration. In a phone interview with this publication, Jang said, “During the verification process, I saw his firm philosophy on conviction and justice,” recalling, “I developed a favorable impression watching him fight against the living power, including former Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae.” He added, “Yoon also saw my work on the Judiciary Committee and readily invited me to join him. Having seen Yoon’s character over time, I naturally decided to support him.”

Lee Cheol-gyu, a People Power Party lawmaker appointed as Yoon’s chief aide, highly praised his determination. Lee said, “Watching Yoon’s sense of public service made me think, ‘There are people like this among public officials.’ He is straightforward and sincere. He does not yield to unjust strong powers but is endlessly gentle to the weak,” describing Yoon’s character.

Jung Jin-seok, National Assembly Deputy Speaker and known as a pro-Yoon faction member since Yoon’s political debut, described Yoon as a “humane person.” Jung said, “He fundamentally has humanity and warmth. He personally took in and raised ‘Tori,’ a stray dog facing euthanasia, and hosts people at his home, which are actions cold-hearted people cannot do.” He explained that he has known Yoon since about 7 to 8 years ago when Yoon was a prosecutor.

He added, “Even his intention to abolish the Blue House shows that he does not intend to use the power he gains to dominate or enjoy privileges but to serve the people,” calling him “a person without greed.”

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