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The presidential office in Yongsan in Seoul / Source: Yonhap News

On April 3, just one day before the Constitutional Court is set to rule on President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment, tension filled the presidential office in Yongsan. While officials publicly said they would “calmly await the decision,” preparations were quietly underway for Yoon’s possible return, including the drafting of a public message from the president.

Multiple sources at the presidential office said that preparations were being made for a swift return to normal operations if the impeachment is dismissed. Staff were inspecting the president’s office, which has remained unused since the start of the impeachment proceedings, and making plans to resume meetings of the National Security Council (NSC).

“In case the impeachment is dismissed, we’re preparing to quickly return to business as usual, including a message from the president to the people,” said one official.

If the impeachment is upheld, President Yoon will be removed from office immediately and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will step in as acting president. If the court dismisses the impeachment, Yoon is expected to return to his duties without delay. He plans to watch the court’s ruling live from his official residence in Hannam-dong.

National Security Office Chief Chung Jin-suk is said to be leading efforts to stabilize the mood inside the presidential office and boost staff morale. He has emphasized the need to stay disciplined until the ruling is announced, especially to avoid any disruptions in national security or diplomacy in the event of a sudden change in leadership.

Presidential spokesperson Kim Soo-kyung stated, “We will calmly wait for the Constitutional Court’s ruling.” However, some inside the office expressed concern, noting, “No matter how the court rules, it will be hard to avoid deep national division.”