Kim Yongtae: "We Have Crossed the River of Impeachment... Yoon's Decision to Leave the Party Is No Longer Important"

"Have Not Yet Contacted Yoon...
Now the Focus Is on the Presidential Election"

On May 16, Kim Yongtae, the acting leader of the People Power Party's emergency committee, addressed the issue of former President Yoon Sukyeol's departure from the party, stating, "As of yesterday, we have demonstrated the party's firm resolve," and added, "Whether or not former President Yoon decides to leave is no longer important."

During an appearance on MBC News Focus that day, when asked if he had contacted former President Yoon, Kim replied, "I have not yet reached out." Earlier that morning on KBS Radio, he had said, "I plan to contact former President Yoon this afternoon and formally recommend that he leave the party."

When asked if he planned to meet with former President Yoon, Kim stated, "Although he was removed from office due to various mistakes, he is still a former president and deserves respect from the party. Please leave this matter to us, and we will resolve it step by step."

Yonhap News

Kim emphasized, "Yesterday, we showed the party's resolve and I believe we have crossed the river of impeachment. From now on, the party will focus on presenting its vision and policy proposals, centering on candidate Kim Moonsoo."

At his first press conference as acting leader on May 15, Kim stated, "I will do my best to meet with former President Yoon as soon as possible and respectfully urge him to leave the party." He also mentioned that, regardless of former President Yoon's decision, the party could consider 'other procedures,' such as restricting party membership for a certain period based on Supreme Court or Constitutional Court rulings.

He added, "Regardless of former President Yoon's decision, there are aspects that will proceed according to procedure through amendments to the party's constitution and regulations, so this is not a crucial issue in the current presidential election context. As we have already expressed our intention to effectively sever ties with the former president as of yesterday, I ask for your continued attention."