SEOUL, May 17 (AJP) - Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said his resignation from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) on Saturday, a decision that comes just weeks before the upcoming snap presidential election.
Yoon joined the PPP in July 2021, becoming its presidential nominee and securing the presidency under the party's banner. Despite his impeachment over his botched martial law debacle last year, he remained with the party until Saturday’s decision.
In a statement shared on social media, Yoon explained that his decision to leave the PPP aims to provide a more favorable environment for the party’s current presidential nominee, Kim Moon-soo. Yoon said this would enable Kim to "compete more effectively against" opponents.
“I am stepping away from the party, but my dedication to the PPP and the country remains the same,” Yoon emphasized.
Yoon’s resignation seemingly follows growing internal pressure from PPP members who publicly urged him to step down. Party insiders expressed concern that Yoon’s continued presence was hampering efforts to expand voter support beyond conservative voters and appeal to moderate voters.
It is widely believed that Yoon's decision to exit the party is strategically aimed at boosting Kim’s campaign, given his stagnant support around 30 percent. Kim significantly trails Lee Jae-myung of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) and Lee Jun-seok of the centrist New Reform Party.
Yoon called on PPP supporters to rally around Kim, underscoring the critical importance of voter unity and turnout to ensure the party’s success in the presidential election.
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