Supporters and YouTubers began gathering at Acrovista, an apartment complex in Seocho District, on Thursday afternoon. This location is where former President Yoon Suk Yeol resided before moving to the official presidential residence in Hannam-dong. As rumors circulate that Yoon Suk Yeol’s return to Acrovista is likely after vacating the Hannam residence, some locals are expressing concerns. They worry about the impact of growing crowds and the potential for noise.
Within the Acrovista shopping arcade, several signs and traces of Yoon and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, have caught the attention of visitors. These include a directory for her now-defunct company, Covana Contents. Some passersby appear to be using these as backdrops for photos.
Shop owners and area residents have largely refrained from commenting directly on Yoon Suk Yeol’s return. However, many have voiced their concerns. One merchant shared their worry about noise and disruption from rallies and crowds. Another nearby business owner, who runs a private academy, expressed greater unease. They recalled the difficulties created by traffic restrictions when Yoon lived there previously. “I hope he chooses a different place this time,” the academy owner said.
Despite these concerns, Yoon’s supporters are already starting to make their presence felt. On the uphill road from Gyodae Station to Acrovista, some individuals wearing red caps and draped in Taegeukgi (South Korean national flags) gathered. Many were livestreaming the scene on smartphones. By early afternoon, the area was filled with supporters holding signs reading, “Eradicate anti-state forces,” along with flags.
“I came to cheer on the president,” one supporter explained. “We want him to stay strong.”
Security personnel were busy managing the growing crowd, which included both media and supporters. At one point, the police intervened when a reporter ignored requests to stay away from residents. Later in the afternoon, a large SUV believed to be connected to Yoon’s security detail entered the complex. While its affiliation could not be verified, one resident claimed, “Several men in suits got out of the vehicle.” This caused some attention among neighbors.
Interestingly, not all residents oppose the former president’s return. Some, like a resident named Kim, took a neutral stance. “Before he became a presidential candidate, he was just someone who often walked his dog here,” Kim recalled. They noted that many neighbors still view Yoon and Kim favorably.
Before moving to the Hannam residence in December 2022, Yoon continued commuting from Acrovista to the presidential office in Yongsan for nearly six months. On his departure, the residents presented him with a framed photo collage featuring Yoon, Kim, and their pets.
Yoon Suk Yeol’s return to Acrovista is becoming a focal point for many in the neighborhood, both for supporters and critics alike.
