Opening the Yongsan Era: Yoon Suk-yeol's First Official Task, Receiving a Report in the Underground Bunker in Yongsan

[경향신문]

At midnight May 10, President Yoon Suk-yeol begins his presidential tasks by receiving the prerogative of supreme command and receiving a report on North Korea’s military status in the situation room of the national crisis management center in the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul. Courtesy of the presidential office

President Yoon Suk-yeol (Yoon Seok-youl) began his term in office as the twentieth president of the Republic of Korea on midnight May 10.

This day, President Yoon began his official duties by receiving a report from the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the situation room of the national crisis management center, an underground bunker located under the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul.

Receiving a Joint Chiefs of Staff report as the first presidential task has a symbolic meaning for it means that the new president will exercise the prerogative of supreme command by receiving a report on the military’s status and readiness through a communications network for national command first and foremost. Taking over the prerogative of supreme command is an important procedure through which the new president receives the legal authority and role of the chief of state.

Previous presidents usually began their term in office by receiving a report by the Joint Chiefs of Staff over the phone in their residence or presidential transition committee office on the day of their inauguration.

President Yoon seems to have started his term by receiving a report in the Yongsan bunker to silence concerns of an absence in security due to the relocation of the presidential office during the transition period and to prepare for a possible heightening of tensions on the Korean Peninsula due to a demonstration of military power by North Korea.

The national crisis management center, where the National Security Council meetings are held, was originally in the underground bunker in Cheongwadae, but was moved to the Yongsan office following the relocation of the presidential office.

The level of protocol and security concerning President Yoon Suk-yeol was raised to that of the chief of state as of midnight this day.