SEOUL (Reuters) — South Korea’s former President Yoon Suk Yeol announced on Saturday that he is withdrawing from the conservative People Power Party (PPP), just weeks before the crucial June 3 snap presidential election. The announcement, made via a Facebook (NASDAQ:META) post, adds further volatility to an already contentious political landscape.
Yoon’s departure comes as PPP presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo trails significantly in public opinion polls. According to the latest Gallup Korea survey released Friday, only 29% of respondents support Kim, while liberal Democratic Party frontrunner Lee Jae-myung commands 51%. The former president's continued association with the PPP had been seen as a liability, especially among moderate voters who disapproved of his controversial actions.
Yoon’s dramatic exit follows his ouster in December, when he declared martial law and was subsequently impeached, sparking the early presidential race. His leadership during that period remains a polarizing issue, and several party officials had publicly urged him to step aside to avoid further damaging the party’s image.
"I am leaving the People Power Party to fulfill my responsibility to protect the free Republic of Korea," Yoon stated in his post. "Please lend your support to Kim Moon-soo," he added, signaling continued backing for the PPP's candidate despite his exit.
The political tension escalates as Lee and Kim are scheduled to face off in their first televised debate on Sunday, a key moment that could sway undecided voters. With the election looming and the PPP struggling to gain ground, Yoon’s departure may either open doors to new support or further fracture the conservative bloc.
This latest development underscores the high-stakes nature of South Korea’s presidential race amid ongoing political turmoil and shifting voter sentiment.