[Political Spotlight] Why Does the People Power Party Increasingly Choose to 'Integrate with Yoon'?

A Series of Hardline Moves Including Constitutional Court Impeachment
Growing Momentum of the 'Fraud Election Theory'
Beyond Centrist Defection, Possibility of Conservative Fragmentation

The People Power Party is showing a politically unified stance with President Yoon Seok-yeol rather than distancing itself amid the impeachment political turmoil. As the Constitutional Court's impeachment trial is nearing its conclusion, there is a possibility that an early presidential election could be held, which could become a variable affecting the crucial 'centrist' voter sentiment. Warnings continue that if the centrists turn away, the presidential election will inevitably become a tough battle.

According to political circles on the 19th, a significant number of People Power Party lawmakers are preparing to impeach Moon Hyung-bae, acting Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court. This means that the ruling party, which had criticized the opposition's impeachment moves as causing government paralysis and political strife, is now launching an impeachment offensive against a constitutional institution. People Power Party lawmaker Kang Seung-gyu stated, "Currently, 78 lawmakers have agreed to the impeachment proposal." In an interview with YTN radio, he introduced, "Among the pro-Han Dong-hoon faction lawmakers, who mostly supported President Yoon's impeachment, about half, around 7 to 8 members, have joined the impeachment proposal." On the 17th, 36 lawmakers from the People Power Party visited the Constitutional Court to protest, escalating the level of their offensive. The tone of remarks also became harsher. Lawmaker Na Kyung-won, who led the protest visit, held a separate press conference to criticize the Constitutional Court as a "politically biased court."

It is also noteworthy that official channels are now conveying messages different from the previous distancing from martial law. Kwon Young-se, chairman of the People Power Party's Emergency Response Committee, said regarding the martial law situation, "Even if I had been at the National Assembly at the time, I would not have participated in the vote to lift martial law." He also commented on former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon, who advocated for lifting martial law and encouraged voting, saying, "I think it was somewhat hasty."

Of course, there are opposing voices within the party. On the 19th, People Power Party lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo said in an SBS radio interview regarding the December 3 martial law, "If I had participated in the vote, I would have cast a favorable vote," and added, "From what I hear from many people, many ruling party lawmakers share the same view."

On the 17th, in front of the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul, ruling party lawmakers including Kim Ki-hyun, Na Kyung-won, and Yoon Sang-hyun of the People Power Party held a press conference before meeting with the Secretary General of the Constitutional Court to urge the minimum guarantee of President Yoon Seok-yeol's right to defense and to condemn unfairness. 2025.2.17 [Joint Coverage] Yonhap News Photo by Yonhap News

The 'fraud election theory,' which President Yoon raised as a justification for martial law, is also growing within the party. Chairman Kwon, during a discussion at the Kwanhun Club, raised the need for verification regarding the fraud election theory, saying, "Wouldn't a thorough review be necessary?" He also mentioned doubts about the constitutionality of early voting. On the 18th, during a current affairs inquiry at the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee, People Power Party lawmakers raised issues about the credibility of the National Election Commission.

On the surface, 'early presidential election' is a taboo word within the People Power Party. This is because the party shows an 'allergic' reaction to mentioning the possibility of acceptance first while President Yoon's impeachment trial is ongoing. However, the underlying situation is different. Movements inside and outside the party are effectively linked to preparations for the presidential election. Major ruling party presidential candidates are attending political events to showcase their presence and continue posting election-related messages on social media (SNS).

Meanwhile, the actions of key senior lawmakers within the party, such as Kim Ki-hyun, Na Kyung-won, and Yoon Sang-hyun, have become subjects of controversy. It is difficult to explain their background for protecting President Yoon solely by 'party loyalty.' There are also critical views that they are engaging in self-serving politics intertwined with personal interests rather than focusing on the ruling party's election strategy or future blueprint.

In fact, there are many voices warning that the People Power Party's moves could be self-defeating. Observers note that the high support rate for impeachment, regardless of party approval ratings in various polls, suggests the possibility of conservative fragmentation. People Power Party lawmaker Kim Sang-wook expressed concern, saying, "The party seems to be swayed by extreme right and radical voices because decisions are made based on party interests rather than conservative values."