President Yoon Suk Yeol and first lady Kim Keon Hee visit their Acro Vista residence in Seocho-dong, southern Seoul, with their pet dog Sunny in December 2022 to thank residents. Courtesy of the Presidential Office

Dissatisfaction is increasing among residents of Acro Vista, the apartment complex in Seocho-dong, Seoul, where President Yoon Suk Yeol and first lady Kim Keon Hee previously lived. Once a source of pride, the complex now symbolizes disillusionment following the controversial martial law declaration on Dec. 3.

"I used to support President Yoon since I saw him often as a neighbor, but not anymore," said Lee, a resident, 64. "Watching the declaration of martial law made me think he's unfit to be president. If I ask a taxi driver to take me to Acro Vista, they always ask if I've seen President Yoon Suk Yeol. It's so embarrassing."

Following the martial law declaration, public sentiment in the area, once strongly supportive of Yoon, has noticeably shifted. Yoon lived at Acro Vista for years before moving to the official presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul. His wife's exhibition planning company, Covana Content, was also based nearby.

Many residents expressed disappointment and regret over Yoon's actions. Jang Yi-taek, a 24-year-old student and resident, recalled his initial pride in sharing the same apartment complex as Yoon. "After hearing about the martial law declaration, I felt betrayed and angry. I now regret voting for him," Jang said.

A banner congratulating President Yoon Suk Yeol on his election is displayed in front of his residence in Seocho-gu, southern Seoul, in March 2022. Newsis

A nearby resident, Ko, 33, noted that even neighbors historically supportive of conservative parties struggled to justify the move. "This baseless martial law has only increased uncertainty about the future," he said.

A mother in her 40s shared her children's reaction to the controversy: "They used to feel a sense of familiarity with the president and first lady after encountering them, but now they ask, ‘Is the president going to jail?' It's disheartening."

Some residents also worry about the complex's real estate value. "We thought having the president associated with the complex would boost property prices, but now we're afraid they'll drop instead," said a woman in her 50s.

Even casual conversations have shifted, as reflected by older adult residents who frequent the apartment's sauna. "They used to proudly talk about Yoon, but now they avoid political news altogether, asking for the channel to be changed or turned off," one resident remarked.

The exterior of Acro Vista in Seocho-dong, southern Seoul, Tuesday / Korea Times photo by Lee Jung-hyuk

Others expressed concern about the possibility of Yoon returning to Acro Vista after his presidency. "Almost no one supports the martial law declaration, and most residents wouldn't welcome him back," another resident, Lee, 33, said.

He voiced fears of disruptions: "The complex could be overrun by supporters and protesters, creating chaos, or worse, someone might try to harm the president."

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.