Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol Quits People’s Power Party, Urges Support for Party Candidate

Seoul: Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol announced his resignation from the conservative People’s Power Party (PPP) on Saturday. The announcement came amid internal calls for his departure, with many party members believing it would boost their presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo’s chances in the upcoming election.

In a Facebook post, Yoon stated, “I am leaving the People Power Party today. Although I am stepping away, I will continue to stand on the front line to defend freedom and national sovereignty.” He urged voters to support PPP’s candidate Kim Moon-soo, adding, “Every vote is a way to protect the independence, sovereignty, and prosperity of this country.”

Yoon’s decision follows mounting pressure from within the PPP, especially after his impeachment in April over a failed attempt to impose martial law in December. He now faces criminal charges related to that incident. Party insiders felt that his continued presence was a liability to Kim Moon-soo’s campaign against Democratic Party rival Lee Jae-myung.

On Thursday, Interim PPP leader Kim Yong-tae had said in a press conference, “We believe the former president will make a rational decision,” and respectfully advised Yoon to step down from the party.

Kim Moon-soo expressed respect for Yoon’s decision, stating, “We will humbly accept his decision and work to make the party more united and innovative so that the campaign and presidency align with the people’s will.” He made the remarks while speaking to reporters after a campaign event at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center in Gwangju.

While Yoon’s departure was not officially coordinated with the candidate, Kim confirmed, “Absolutely not,” when asked if there had been prior discussions. Before Yoon’s announcement, Kim had maintained a neutral stance, saying it was up to the former president to decide whether to stay or leave the party.

Meanwhile, rival parties have criticized Yoon’s exit, arguing that his statement failed to acknowledge the seriousness of the martial law controversy or offer a sincere apology to the public.

Despite the controversy, Yoon’s endorsement of Kim Moon-soo is seen as a strategic move aimed at consolidating conservative support ahead of the election.