Yoon Seok-yeol's 'Party Entry' Predictions Vary... Does It Depend on the People Power Party?

Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol is entering the Maeheon Yun Bong-gil Memorial Hall in Seocho-gu, Seoul, where a press conference for his presidential election candidacy is being held on the morning of the 29th. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] Experts analyzing whether former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol will join the People Power Party in the future or run as an independent candidate in the third zone presidential election have concluded that "it ultimately depends on how the People Power Party acts." Although he declared his political participation on the 29th, it is expected to take some time before he reveals his stance on running for president or joining the party.

While former Prosecutor General Yoon is preparing a concrete vision for national governance, the variable lies in how the situation within the People Power Party changes. If the party's approval ratings continue to rise as they are now, Yoon may be open to joining. However, if not, he might lean toward the position of "there is no need to join." Therefore, it is analyzed that Yoon will delay the timing of joining the party "as much as possible."

Um Kyung-young, head of the Era Spirit Research Institute, said, "If he joins now, he will become one of many and face intense scrutiny, so it does not seem likely he would take such a risk. However, if his own approval ratings drop and the People Power Party's ratings remain high, he will join before the primary election bus departs."

There is also a view that, under the current circumstances, he is leaning toward not joining the People Power Party. Political commentator Lee Jong-hoon said, "It has been a long time since the talk of joining came up, and by now a conclusion should have been reached. He is at a crossroads between Lee Jun-seok, the People Power Party leader, and Ahn Cheol-soo, the People Party leader, and it seems he is gradually moving toward Ahn."

Professor Shin Yul of Myongji University’s Department of Political Science also analyzed, "If he were going to join, he would not have said he would conduct a 'public sentiment tour.'"

Along with this, Professor Park Sang-byeong of Inha University Graduate School of Policy advised, "The 'X-file' controversy surrounding former Prosecutor General Yoon should be settled as soon as possible."