Gallup Korea: Lee Jaemyung 51%, Kim Moonsu 29%
After Unification, Party Faces New Turmoil Over Yoon's Departure
Moderate Voters Remain Weak... Attention on Yoon's Departure
The People Power Party is once again showing signs of division over the issue of former President Yoon Sukyeol's departure from the party. Within the party, there are growing calls for former President Yoon to voluntarily leave the party in order to secure victory in the presidential election. However, former President Yoon has effectively rejected these calls by remaining silent. With just 18 days left until the presidential election, analysts say that the People Power Party's entanglement in the "departure" controversy is making it even more difficult to unite the conservative base and reverse its declining approval ratings.
President Yoon Sukyeol is taking a commemorative photo after presenting the appointment letter to Kim Moonsoo, Minister of Employment and Labor, at the ministerial appointment ceremony held at the Yongsan Presidential Office building in Seoul on August 30 last year. Photo by Yonhap News
Shin Dongwook, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party's election campaign committee, met with reporters at the party's central headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul on the morning of the 16th. When asked about former President Yoon's possible departure from the party, he said, "I find it a bit puzzling why the issue of a (former) president's party membership has become such a major topic," adding, "He has returned to his private residence and is not engaging in any special political activities. Candidate Kim also believes that the decision to leave the party is up to the president. It is unfortunate that this issue is being discussed more than necessary."
However, there are differing opinions within the party regarding former President Yoon's departure. Kim Yongtae, chair of the emergency response committee, publicly called for former President Yoon to voluntarily leave the party the previous day, saying, "I will ask him to make a decision for the sake of the party and victory in the presidential election." However, candidate Kim maintained a reserved stance, saying, "It is a matter for former President Yoon to decide." For candidate Kim, who has received strong support from hardline conservatives as part of the "anti-impeachment" faction during the impeachment crisis, it is not easy to accept demands for former President Yoon's departure.
As a result, it is becoming increasingly difficult to rally the conservative base. Lee Junghyun, co-chair of the election campaign committee who was part of former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo's camp, proposed the previous day, "Let us recommend that former President Yoon voluntarily leave the party and issue a public apology to the nation regarding the martial law." Han Donghoon, former People Power Party leader, also stated that he would not participate in campaign rallies supporting candidate Kim unless there is a clear break with the Yoon Sukyeol couple.
Hong Joonpyo, former mayor of Daegu who declared his retirement from politics after losing the primary, also targeted former President Yoon and then-leaders Kwon Youngse and Kwon Seongdong, saying, "They will be punished by heaven." He has since left for the United States and is not helping with the election. On the other hand, pro-Yoon lawmaker Yoon Sanghyun publicly expressed opposition, saying, "At such a critical time, demanding former President Yoon's departure is no different from abandoning a general who has fallen while fighting a war to defend the system."
People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Munsu appeals for support from citizens during a campaign rally held on the 16th at Jidong Market in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Yonhap News
For candidate Kim and the People Power Party, who must form a "big tent" with Han Donghoon, Han Ducksoo, Hong Joonpyo, and even innovation party presidential candidate Lee Junseok to try to reverse their approval ratings, the issue of former President Yoon's departure remains a major obstacle. At present, many predict that former President Yoon will not decide to leave the party on his own. It is also reported that there are many negative reactions to the calls for his departure within the Yongsan presidential office. As a result, some are suggesting that candidate Kim should make a direct decision himself.
Meanwhile, candidate Kim is struggling to narrow the approval rating gap with Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate. According to a poll conducted by Gallup Korea from the 13th to the 15th of this month among 1,004 voters aged 18 and older nationwide, candidate Lee received 51% support, while candidate Kim received 29%. Among moderates, candidate Lee had 52% support compared to candidate Kim's 20%, showing an even wider gap. A People Power Party official said, "This is an election that is difficult to win even if we unite, but issues like unification and departure continue to sap our strength."
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