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Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol announced his departure from the ruling conservative People Power Party (PPP) on Saturday, days before a snap election triggered by his impeachment over an attempt to impose martial law.
Yoon, who is currently standing trial on criminal insurrection charges, posted on Facebook: “I am leaving the People Power Party today,” and encouraged voters to back the party’s presidential candidate, former labour minister Kim Moon-soo.
Kim, who gained attention as the sole cabinet member refusing to apologise for failing to stop martial law, recently expressed regret for the suspension of civilian rule, saying he was “sincerely sorry to the people who are suffering.”
Yoon’s declaration of martial law last December, justified by him as necessary to break political deadlock and purge pro-North Korean “anti-state” elements, sharply divided South Korea’s political landscape. The move drew support from extremist religious groups and right-wing online personalities, but provoked unrest, including violent pro-Yoon rallies that stormed a Seoul courthouse in January. Four participants were jailed this week.
Critics accused Yoon of indirectly encouraging the violence by declaring the nation “in danger” and pledging unwavering support to his hardline followers.
Ahead of the June 3 election, Yoon described the vote as the “last chance to prevent totalitarian dictatorship and protect liberal democracy and the rule of law.” However, the opposition Democratic Party condemned him as “shameless” for invoking the democracy he was accused of undermining.
Kim Moon-soo, now the PPP candidate, responded to Yoon’s departure by expressing respect and promising to unite and revitalise the party.
A recent Gallup poll shows Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung — who is also facing several criminal trials — leading with 51% support, while Kim trails at 29%.
