Yoon Sukyeol Calls for "Unity," Democratic Party Responds: "Why Not Campaign, Too?"

Park Jieon and Park Joomin of the Democratic Party: "What exactly is he protecting?"
Even within People Power Party: "Staying silent is the best way to help"

After Kim Moonsoo was confirmed as the final presidential candidate for the People Power Party, former President Yoon Sukyeol called for unity among his supporters and began actively supporting the campaign. In response, the Democratic Party of Korea voiced strong criticism.

Earlier on the morning of May 11, after Kim completed his candidate registration with the National Election Commission, former President Yoon posted a lengthy message on Facebook titled "An Appeal to the People."

In this message, former President Yoon stated, "The upcoming 6·3 presidential election is not simply about a change of government, but a critical choice between protecting or destroying the system of a free Republic of Korea. It is an election that stands at the crossroads of life and death for our nation." He added, "I will stand with you until the end to defend this country's liberal democracy."

In response, Democratic Party lawmaker Park Jieon posted on Facebook, "Will the endorsement of Kim Moonsoo by impeached Yoon Sukyeol be of any help? Is he sincere?" He continued, "He should just remain quiet, but an endorsement? I hope he even goes out and campaigns."

He further commented, "This presidential election is a contest between forces of rebellion and those opposed to rebellion, in other words, a confrontation between democratic forces." He added, "The Taesangwang (supreme king) who returned alive from the Dragon Palace for candidate Kim is Pastor Jeon Gwanghun, and the Sangwang (senior king) is Yoon Sukyeol, the ringleader of the rebellion."

Former President Yoon Sukyeol waves to his supporters before leaving his residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul on April 11 and heading to his private residence in Seocho-dong. Photo by Yonhap News

Democratic Party lawmaker Park Joomin also criticized, "What exactly does someone who betrayed the people and tried to trample on freedom and the rule of law claim to be protecting?" He added, "If the People Power Party intends to stand by even Yoon Sukyeol until the end, so be it. The Democratic Party will move forward toward the true future of the Republic of Korea."

Within the People Power Party, there are also voices expressing concern that former President Yoon, who is responsible for causing the early presidential election, is not helping the party by issuing statements ahead of the election.

People Power Party lawmaker Cho Kyungtae wrote on Facebook on the same day, addressing former President Yoon, "Staying silent is the best way to help." He argued, "The party should expel former President Yoon, who was impeached for unconstitutional martial law, and thoroughly separate itself from those who support and defend martial law."

Former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon also stated on Facebook that if Kim does not sever ties with former President Yoon and his wife, "the entire election will be spent defending the couple from attacks by Lee Jaemyung, and Kim will continue to be swayed by them even after the election."

He added, "As long as former President Yoon continues to issue public statements that are of no help to the election and tries to intervene in party affairs, as he did today, expulsion from the party is necessary."