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Key Points

South Korea's main opposition party is holding a crucial national convention to elect new leadership. The PPP faces internal turmoil following former President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment and failed martial law attempt. Four candidates are competing with their stance on Yoon's impeachment becoming a key factor. The election outcome could determine whether the party rebounds or continues its decline in popularity.

Key Points: PPP Elects New Leader After Yoon Suk Yeol Impeachment Scandal

  • PPP faces leadership election amid Yoon Suk Yeol impeachment fallout
  • New leader to guide party through next year's local elections
  • Four candidates compete including Kim Moon-soo and Jang Dong-hyeok
  • Yoon impeachment stance becomes decisive factor in race
2 min read

South Korea: Main opposition holds national convention to pick new leader

South Korea's main opposition PPP holds national convention to pick new leader amid internal strife following ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law bid.

"The convention is seen as a pivotal moment for the PPP - Political Observers"

Seoul, Aug 22

The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) held a national convention Friday to elect a new leader as it still struggles to rejuvenate its image in the aftermath of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law bid.

The PPP's national convention comes amid lingering internal strife after the failed declaration of martial law by Yoon, who is standing criminal trials on insurrection charges and was a member of the conservative party until his departure in May, following the Constitutional Court's decision to uphold his impeachment in April, Yonhap News Agency reported.

A new leader to be elected later at the convention will be tasked with guiding the party ahead of next year's local elections.

The four-way race for the party leader includes former presidential contender Kim Moon-soo, as well as Representatives Jang Dong-hyeok, Cho Kyoung-tae and Ahn Cheol-soo.

With the party convention taking place after Yoon's removal from office, the candidates' stance on Yoon's impeachment is expected to be a decisive factor in the leadership race.

Kim and Jang, both of whom opposed Yoon's impeachment, are considered the leading candidates.

A recent survey conducted on PPP supporters showed Jang leading with 33 pe rcent, followed by Kim at 30 percent. Ahn and Cho, who had supported Yoon's impeachment, lagged far behind at 8 and 7 percent, respectively.

If no candidate secures a majority in the election, the top two contenders will advance to a runoff.

Should a runoff be held, the finalists will take part in a final televised debate on Saturday, followed by the runoff voting on Aug. 24-25. The new party leader will be confirmed Tuesday.

At Friday's national convention, four members will also be elected to the party's Supreme Council, while one will be elected to the party's youth leadership.

The convention is seen as a pivotal moment for the PPP, with eyes on whether pro-Yoon or non-Yoon figures are elected to the party's leadership, which observers say could affect whether the party sinks further into decline or manages to stage a political rebound.

A recent opinion poll showed that the approval rating for the PPP has remained below 20 per cent for the seventh straight week.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Only 20% approval rating? That's really concerning for a main opposition party. They need fresh leadership that can connect with younger voters and move past the Yoon controversy. Hope they choose wisely! 🇰🇷
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Aman W
The martial law attempt was a serious misstep. Parties need to learn that democratic norms cannot be compromised, whether in Korea or anywhere else. Hope the new leadership upholds constitutional values.
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Sarah B
Fascinating how the candidates' stance on impeachment is becoming the deciding factor. Shows how deeply the Yoon episode has divided the party. The runoff system seems fair though - gives voters a clearer choice.
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Vikram M
South Korea's political drama is always so intense! The televised debate before runoff should be interesting. Hope they focus on policy issues rather than just personal attacks. Wishing stability for our Korean friends 🤝
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Nikhil C
The youth leadership election mentioned is crucial. Parties everywhere need to engage younger generations - that's where fresh ideas and energy come from. Hope they elect someone who can bridge the generation gap.

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