Ex-first couple to take 11 pets when they move out Friday

Former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, take a break with two of their dogs at Yongsan Children’s Garden in this photo released May 2023. (Presidential Office)

Former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, are finally set to leave their official residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, this Friday, taking with them their eleven pets, including both cats and dogs.

This means the couple will be sharing their 4-bedroom apartment home at Acro Vista complex in southern Seoul, with their six dogs and five cats. Part of a 37-story high-rise complex comprising 757 residential and commercial units, the couple's home has a floor space of 164 square meters. Before moving to the presidential residence, the couple, who does not have children, had lived there with seven pets -- four dogs and three cats.

Since moving into the presidential residence, however, their number of animal companions has grown to 11. The most recent addition came in December 2022, when the couple adopted their 11th pet, Saeromi — a Labrador Retriever and retired guide dog.

The Acrovista apartment complex in Seocho-gu, Seoul, where Yoon’s apartment is located. (Yonhap)

Local reports say Yoon may be considering relocating to another private residence in the greater Seoul area, such as Yangpyeong or Gapyeong in Gyeonggi Province, after temporarily settling in Seocho-dong, as their apartment may be unsuitable for keeping so many pets, and the presence of security personnel could make the neighbors uncomfortable.

Saeromi, the 11th pet of the Yoon-Kim couple, is seen at the presidential office in Yongsan-gu, with then President Yoon Suk Yeol (left), in this handout photo released last year. (Presidential Office)

Ousted Yoon has been removed from power and stripped of the rights and privileges that came with the presidency, but under the current law, he remains eligible to receive protection from the PSS for up to 10 years.

The presidential bodyguards reportedly launched a security team of about 50 personnel to provide protection for the former president, which will begin once he leaves the official residence.