South Korea’s ‘arrogant and obstinate’ Yoon finally yields to media scrutiny after electoral rout

Yoon Suk-yeol isn’t known for taking questions from reporters, usually preferring prearranged interviews or staged media appearances instead

But his party’s stinging defeat in last month’s parliamentary polls, amid a cluster of controversies, look to have humbled the South Korean president

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Trade unionists rally in Seoul on May 1 with an effigy of South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol carrying a sign that reads “I am a sinner”. Yoon has largely shied away from the media spotlight. Photo: Reuters

Published: 10:00am, 8 May 2024Updated: 11:04am, 8 May 2024

A rare media conference to be held by South Korea’s embattled president is attracting scrutiny due to a string of contentious issues that have been plaguing his administration.

President Yoon Suk-yeol, known for his aversion towards the press, is expected to address multiple contentious topics on Thursday, including the corruption allegations surrounding his wife, allegations of the presidential office interfering in the investigation of a soldier’s death last year, and the ongoing doctors’ strike.

The conference will be broadcast on live television and streamed online.

Since his inaugural press conference in August 2022, marking his first 100 days in office, Yoon has largely shied away from such engagements – largely opting for prearranged interviews or public addresses without taking questions from journalists.

President Yoon Suk-yeol (centre) takes reporters’ questions on Tuesday after announcing the appointment a new senior presidential secretary, in a departure from his usual tactics. Photo: EPA-EFE

Analysts say Yoon’s pivot stems from his ruling People Power Party’s stinging defeat in last month’s legislative elections, where it secured just 108 of 300 parliamentary seats.