Former South Korean President Faces Criticism for Easter Message Amid Political Tensions
South Korea’s former president, Yoon Suk-yeol, has found himself at the center of controversy following an Easter message released from prison. The ex-president, who was removed from office after a short-lived imposition of martial law in December 2024, sent the message through his lawyer, Bae Ui-cheol, urging the public to “hold onto the hope of salvation even if times are difficult.”
The message, which drew sharp criticism from opponents, was seen as comparing Yoon’s downfall to the suffering of Jesus and suggesting a lack of remorse for his actions. Despite being sentenced to life in February, Yoon still maintains a strong base of supporters. However, his portrayal as a martyr rather than a convict could pose a liability to his former party ahead of the June 3 local elections.
In the message, Yoon stated: “Jesus’ resurrection showed that if we overcome times of suffering, this land will be fully restored with freedom and truth. Even if times are hard, I pray that this Easter Sunday will be a time to endure suffering, hold onto the hope of salvation, and be reborn as children of God.”
Bae said many of Yoon’s supporters, including young people, had asked for a message to “gain strength” during Easter, and that he relayed the requests when he met Yoon on Friday at the Seoul Detention Centre.
Reactions from Critics and Analysts
The message sparked condemnation from critics and rebuttals in newspaper editorials. Catholic priest Kim In-kook, a leader of the Catholic Priests’ Association for Justice, criticized the comparison between Yoon and Jesus, calling it “nonsense.” He argued that people of faith would never make such claims.
Political-science professor Lee Jae-mook from Hankook University of Foreign Studies noted that the timing of the Easter message was intended to improve Yoon’s image among Christians, especially after controversies surrounding him and his wife, Kim Keon-hee, over their alleged ties with shamans and fortune-tellers.
Following his impeachment over his failed martial law attempt, Yoon left the conservative People Power Party (PPP), although the party has not formally severed ties with him amid concerns about losing voters’ support ahead of the June election.
Choi Jin, head of the Institute for Presidential Leadership, expressed concerns about Yoon’s visibility, stating that his presence in the spotlight could hurt the party’s chances.
Election Polls and Public Sentiment
A Gallup Korea survey released recently showed support for PPP at 18 per cent, down one percentage point from the previous week. Meanwhile, the approval rating for the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) was 48 per cent, up two points – the highest since President Lee Jae Myung took office in June last year.
In an editorial, the conservative Dong-a Ilbo criticized Yoon’s message, describing him as “absolutely remorseless.” It slammed Yoon’s “sophistry” for trying to justify his martial law declaration and the military’s subsequent entry into the National Assembly by claiming he was alerting the public to opposition abuses.
Progressive Kyunghyang Shinmun also warned that Yoon’s message and ongoing rallies by supporters calling for his release risked prolonging the country’s political instability.
Legal Proceedings and Financial Support
On Monday, a special prosecutor team demanded a 10-year prison term for Yoon during an appeal hearing at the Seoul High Court related to his obstruction of justice over his imposition of martial law. Yoon was convicted for obstructing investigators from detaining him last year and calling only selected Cabinet members to a meeting to review his martial law plan.
The team is also investigating claims that Yoon’s government fabricated charges that a local garment maker sent US$3 million to Lee Jae Myung to help finance his 2019 visit to Pyongyang. Lee has dismissed the allegations as groundless.
Financial Support for Yoon
Data released by the DPK shows that Yoon has received significant financial support from followers since his rearrest in July last year. Supporters have sent remittances to his prison account, totaling 1.25 billion won (US $830,480) over eight months since he was imprisoned.
A lawyer on Yoon’s team said the amount was insufficient, adding that most of the funds were legal fees, with some used for his medical expenses. Park Jie-won, a senior DPK lawmaker, criticized Yoon over the funding in a radio interview on Monday.
