A few weeks before South Korea’s June 3 snap presidential election, former President Yoon Suk Yeol declared on Saturday that he is leaving the conservative People Power Party (PPP).
In a statement posted to his Facebook page, Yoon said his departure was a step toward safeguarding South Korea’s democracy, urging voters to back PPP candidate Kim Moon-soo. “I am leaving the People Power Party to fulfil my responsibility to protect the free Republic of Korea,” he wrote, adding, “Please lend your support to Kim Moon-soo.”
Yoon’s exit follows mounting pressure from within the PPP to step aside, as public backlash over his controversial declaration of martial law last December continues to weigh heavily on the party’s prospects. That move, which Yoon defended as necessary to break political deadlock and counter perceived pro-North Korean threats, ultimately led to his impeachment and the hastily arranged election.
Recent polling reflects the fallout. With only 29% support compared to 51% for liberal Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung, PPP candidate Kim is well behind Lee, according to a Gallup Korea poll issued Friday.
Kim, a former cabinet minister, became a symbol of resistance within the administration after refusing to apologise in the wake of Yoon’s brief military takeover. However, in a notable shift earlier this week, he issued a public apology, expressing remorse for the turmoil caused.
The fallout from Yoon’s martial law decree also sparked violent protests in January. Extremist supporters, enraged by the court’s decision to approve Yoon’s arrest, stormed a courthouse in Seoul. Several of those involved were recently sentenced to prison, and critics have accused Yoon of fuelling the unrest through inflammatory rhetoric.
Despite his ouster and the controversies surrounding his final weeks in office, Yoon remains a polarising figure, particularly among conservative hardliners and far-right religious groups. On Saturday, he characterised the upcoming election as a decisive moment for the nation. “This is our final opportunity to protect liberal democracy and the rule of law and to avert a totalitarian dictatorship,” he said.
Meanwhile, the first televised debate between Lee and Kim is scheduled for Sunday, offering both candidates a crucial opportunity to sway undecided voters as the campaign enters its final stretch.