President Yoon Suk Yeol rebuking the special prosecutor on the 24th. [Court Video / Subtitled GIF from @birds_justice X account]

A video capturing the live footage of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s final statement in court during the trial for the Marine Corps case on the 24th was released on the 27th, setting social media (SNS) ablaze.

The resolute tone and the atmosphere of the scene, which had only been partially conveyed through text in some media outlets, are now causing a stir as the actual video reveals the full context.

During the trial held by the 22nd Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, President Yoon faced the special prosecution team directly and delivered a poignant, hard-hitting message in his signature firm yet calm tone: "I would like to ask the special prosecution team this as well. Do you all feel safe right now?"

He continued by systematically refuting the legal loopholes and the unreasonable nature of the special prosecutor's indictment.

President Yoon publicly warned, "If you have indicted me without grounds despite knowing that there was no abuse of power, falsification of official documents, or violation of the Public Official Election Act regarding the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), then this itself constitutes an abuse of power, and, if necessary, could also be considered a violation of the political neutrality of public officials."

He lamented, "If an investigation is conducted in this manner without any clear evidence, what will become of our country?" He then strongly expressed the injustice of the investigation, stating, "I am currently being indicted and standing trial for many cases, but this is the first time I have made a final statement in such a manner," while pointing out that the special prosecutor's investigation itself could become a subject for future legal judgment.

President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol. [GIF from @jujuju12211 X account]

"All responsibility lies with me, the President... The others have no fault."

In his final statement that day, President Yoon drew attention by displaying "boss-like" accountability toward his staff and officials who were standing trial alongside him. He emphasized his diplomatic actions and constitutional authority in the process of state affairs, taking all responsibility upon himself.

He asserted, "Even if the court sees various materials that I have not seen and holds a different view from mine, this was a matter I pursued based on the President's constitutional diplomatic authority," adding, "Therefore, all responsibility belongs to me."

He then addressed the court, saying, "As far as I can see, the others present here have no particular issues. If the very act of pursuing this work is legally problematic, I ask that you hold only me accountable for it all," effectively defending the innocence of those standing in court with him and concluding with a sense of responsibility.

Unlike when the content of his court remarks was summarized and reported by the media, the dissemination of the video featuring President Yoon's actual voice and expressions has triggered an even more intense reaction on social media.

Netizens have flooded the platforms with supportive comments, such as: "I stand with President Yoon Suk Yeol until the end! (@51XX)," "The image of a true leader who is willing to take on the heavy burden of responsibility as the head of state. It really puts others to shame (@CoXX)," "The day will surely come when the sword of the special prosecution turns on you!! (daXX)," "A true man's man (@isXX)," "Yoon Again!! (@abXX)," and "Our true President... I hope you return soon.. (@ziXX)."

President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol. [Screenshot from @yuyuyu_mimimi X account]