S. Korea’s Yoon Quits Conservative Party as Liberal Rival Leads

• Yoon departs from the PPP to support Kim Moon-soo and defend the Republic of Korea
• Violence erupts at pro-Yoon rallies; four supporters sentenced to jail
• Kim draws attention for refusing to apologize over the suspension of civilian rule

On Saturday, South Korea’s former President Yoon Suk Yeol announced via Facebook that he is leaving the conservative People Power Party (PPP).

The timing of this decision comes as the PPP’s presidential candidate struggles against the liberal Democratic Party’s candidate, Lee Jae-myung, in the polls ahead of the snap election on June 3.

A recent Gallup Korea poll shows Kim Moon-soo, the PPP candidate, garnering around 29% support, while frontrunner Lee holds a significant 51% of the vote.

Yoon’s unexpected martial law declaration last December, which led to his impeachment and removal, ignited the need for this quick election. Party members had urged him to step away from the party to appeal to more moderate voters who view his actions unfavorably.

“I am departing from the People Power Party to uphold my responsibility in defending the free Republic of Korea… I urge you to support Kim Moon-soo,” Yoon stated in his post, referencing South Korea’s official name.

The first televised debate between candidates Lee and Kim is scheduled for Sunday.

Yoon’s martial law declaration was intended to address legislative stalemate and to eliminate what he termed pro-North Korean “anti-state” elements, gaining backing from extreme religious groups and right-leaning YouTubers.

Pro-Yoon rallies turned violent in January when radical supporters, incensed by the court’s endorsement of his formal arrest warrant, stormed a courthouse in Seoul, resulting in four individuals receiving prison sentences this week.

Yoon has been accused of indirectly inciting this violence, having previously warned his hardline followers in early January that the nation was “in peril” and pledged to stand with them “to the very end.”

Yoon emphasized that the forthcoming snap election represents a “final opportunity to avert a totalitarian dictatorship and protect liberal democracy and the rule of law.”

The most recent Gallup poll indicates that Lee, who is currently facing multiple criminal trials, leads with 51% support, outpacing Kim with 29%.

Kim gained prominence as the only cabinet member who didn’t apologize for the failure to prevent Yoon’s temporary suspension of civilian rule. However, he did extend an apology for Yoon’s martial law attempt earlier this week, expressing heartfelt regrets for those suffering due to it.