Ousted South Korean President Yoon Returns to Apartment with Family and 11 Pets

Former President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea has made a quiet return to his apartment in Seoul after being ousted from office. On Friday, Yoon and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, moved back to their upscale residence in the glitzy Gangnam district, along with their 11 pets—seven dogs and four cats. The couple’s return marks a new chapter after Yoon’s impeachment for an attempt to impose martial law during his presidency.

Yoon, who is well known for his love of animals, is starting over in the apartment that has now become a more private retreat after the turmoil of his presidency. Located just south of the Han River, the 164-square-meter apartment sits within the Acrovista complex, a prestigious area known for its luxurious 37-story towers and a community of over 750 households.

However, the return to this high-profile neighborhood has raised eyebrows. Some neighbors have expressed concerns over the reappearance of a figure whose presidency divided the nation. The controversy surrounding his impeachment and political actions continues to loom large over his return.

With his status as a former president, Yoon and his wife are entitled to a heavy security detail for at least five years. Reports say up to 50 security personnel will be assigned to protect the couple in their new home, a number that has sparked further conversation about privacy in such a densely populated residential area.

The presence of so many security officers in the busy complex is thought to be one of the reasons for the delay in Yoon’s return, which was pushed back by a week after he was removed from office.

Yoon and Kim’s return to the apartment isn’t just about politics—it’s also about their love for animals. When Yoon took office, the couple owned four dogs and three cats, but over the course of his presidency, their family of pets has expanded to include a retired service dog, a golden retriever adopted in 2022. Yoon’s support for animal rights was also reflected in his administration’s passing of a landmark bill to ban the consumption and sale of dog meat in South Korea.

Yoon’s presidency was marked by polarizing moves, including his controversial attempt to impose martial law, which led to his eventual impeachment. He claimed the measure was necessary to address political obstruction that was paralyzing the government—a justification that has been widely debated.

The former president’s return to public life has stirred a mix of reactions. While some neighbors have expressed concern about potential crowds of supporters and critics gathering around the building, others have shown their support by putting up a welcome banner at the complex’s entrance.

The Acrovista complex, where Yoon now resides, is built on the site of one of South Korea’s most tragic events: the collapse of the Sampoong Department Store in 1995, a disaster that killed 502 people and injured nearly 1,000 others. The site’s grim history adds another layer of complexity to Yoon’s return to the area, intertwining the legacy of political drama with a past tragedy.