People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok attends a meeting of party lawmakers at the National Assembly in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap
The main opposition People Power Party’s (PPP) decision to formally distance itself from former President Yoon Suk Yeol is exposing deep divisions within Korea’s conservative bloc as the country approaches the June 3 local elections.
The party adopted a resolution Monday rejecting calls for Yoon’s political comeback, marking its clearest attempt yet to separate itself from the so-called “Yoon Again” movement that has gained traction among some conservative supporters following the former president’s conviction over his Dec. 3, 2024, martial law declaration.
Political observers say the move reflects growing concerns within the party about its electoral prospects, particularly in the Seoul metropolitan area, where public sentiment toward conservatives has deteriorated sharply.
At an emergency meeting of lawmakers, the PPP apologized for the turmoil caused by Yoon’s martial law declaration and said that it opposes “all claims calling for the former president’s political return.”
The resolution was issued in the name of all PPP lawmakers.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon welcomed the decision, saying it created “the minimum political footing needed” for the party to compete in the upcoming elections.
Oh had repeatedly urged the party leadership to clarify its stance on Yoon, even refraining from registering as a candidate in the party’s local election nomination process until the issue was resolved.
Despite the resolution, however, questions remain about the party leadership’s broader strategy.
PPP leader Jang Dong-hyeok did not deliver a separate statement after the meeting and said only that he would “respect the collective will of party lawmakers.”
Source: Korea Times News
