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Key Points

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has officially left the People Power Party, urging voters to support its presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo. His exit follows internal pressure to distance the party from his controversial martial law attempt. PPP members believe this move could revitalize Kim's struggling campaign against Democratic rival Lee Jae-myung. Meanwhile, Yoon maintains his commitment to national sovereignty despite ongoing legal troubles.

Key Points: Ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol Quits People Power Party Amid Election Push

  • Yoon Suk Yeol resigns from PPP to boost Kim Moon-soo's campaign
  • Conservatives urged his exit to counter Democratic Party's Lee Jae-myung
  • Yoon faces trial after botched martial law attempt
  • PPP candidate Kim respects decision, vows party unity
2 min read

South Korean ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol quits People Power Party

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol exits PPP, urges voters to back Kim Moon-soo in upcoming election amid party tensions.

"I am leaving the People Power Party today, but I will continue to stand at the forefront to defend freedom and national sovereignty. – Yoon Suk Yeol"

Seoul, May 17

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced his departure from the People Power Party (PPP) on Saturday and urged voters to support the party's presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo, according to a report from the Yonhap news agency.

In a Facebook post, Yoon wrote, "I am leaving the People Power Party today," adding, "Although I am leaving the party, I will continue to stand at the forefront to defend freedom and national sovereignty."

"Please give your support to Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party. Make sure to cast your vote. Every single vote is a path toward safeguarding this country's freedom, sovereignty and prosperity," he said.

Yoon's decision follows growing calls within the conservative PPP for him to sever ties with the party. Many members believed his departure was necessary to boost Kim's stagnant poll numbers against Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung, the Yonhap news agency reported.

Yoon was removed from office in April over his botched martial law attempt in December and is facing a criminal trial.

"I believe the (former) president will make a rational decision," Rep. Kim Yong-tae, interim party leader, said during a press conference on Thursday. "As the interim leader, I would respectfully recommend that the president leave the party."

PPP candidate Kim Moon-soo has expressed respect for former President Yoon Suk Yeol's decision to leave the party.

Prior to Yoon's announcement, Kim had maintained a neutral stance on the matter, leaving it up to Yoon to decide whether to stay or leave, Yonhap in its report added.

However, more centrist members of the party had called for the leadership to voluntarily expunge Yoon's party affiliation.

After Yoon's departure, Kim stated, "We will humbly accept his decision and work to make the party more united and innovative, so that the party, the campaign and the presidency can align with the will of the people."

He said to reporters after a campaign meeting at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Centre in Gwangju, some 270 kilometres south of Seoul.

When asked whether there had been any prior coordination with Yoon on his withdrawal, candidate Kim replied, "None at all."

Rival parties slammed Yoon's PPP departure, claiming that his statement lacks a sense of apology to the public for his martial law fiasco.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Interesting development in South Korean politics! As an Indian, I find it fascinating how political parties handle internal conflicts. In India too, we've seen leaders step aside for party unity. Hope their democracy remains strong 🇮🇳🤝🇰🇷
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Priya M.
The martial law attempt was concerning. In India, we've seen emergency periods before - they never end well for democracy. Hope South Korea learns from this episode and strengthens its institutions.
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Arjun S.
South Korea is an important partner for India in technology and defense. Political stability there matters for our bilateral relations. Hope this transition goes smoothly without affecting our Make in India collaborations with Korean companies.
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Sunita R.
The way he's still asking people to vote for his party after leaving shows political drama is same everywhere! Reminds me of some Indian politicians who change parties but still support old allies. K-dramas have nothing on real politics! 😄
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Vikram J.
Respect to the South Korean system for holding leaders accountable. The former president facing criminal trial shows no one is above the law. We need this strong accountability in all democracies, including ours.
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Neha P.
As someone who loves Korean culture, I hope this political turmoil doesn't affect the Hallyu wave! On serious note, it's good to see the party prioritizing public will over personal loyalties. Indian parties could learn from this mature handling.

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