Yoon Sukyeol Leaves People Power Party: "Today I Am Leaving, Please Unite Behind Kim Moonsu"

"Wishing for the Party's Progress and Victory in the Presidential Election"
"Leaving the Party Is the Best I Can Do"
"Though I Leave the Party, I Will Continue to Serve"

Former President Yoon Sukyeol announced on the 17th, "Today, I am leaving the People Power Party." He also said, "I wish the party endless development and victory in the presidential election," and called on supporters to unite behind Kim Moonsu, the People Power Party's presidential candidate.

On the morning of the same day, through his social media account on Facebook, Yoon expressed his gratitude, saying, "I bow my head in thanks to my fellow party members who have trusted and stood by me despite my shortcomings."

Former President Yoon Seokyeol, who was indicted on charges of leading an insurrection, is moving to a vehicle after concluding his third trial at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on May 12, 2025. Photo by Joint Press Corps

Yoon stated, "Right now, the Republic of Korea stands at a critical crossroads between the survival and collapse of our liberal democratic system." He continued, "The reason I desire victory in the presidential election as much as candidate Kim Moonsu himself is because the fate of Korea depends on this election."

He added, "Without liberal democracy, there can be no sustainable economic growth, public happiness, or security." He further wrote, "Leaving the People Power Party, which has accompanied my not-so-long political career and made me President of the Republic of Korea, is, in my view, the best way I can contribute to victory in the presidential election and to the defense of liberal democracy."

Yoon emphasized, "Although I am leaving the party, I will continue to serve for the defense of freedom and sovereignty." He also said, "I ask all my fellow members to embrace the Republic of Korea and the People Power Party even more passionately. I hope you will come together as one, transcending individual positions."

He went on to say, "That is the only way to protect our country and people and to pass on freedom and prosperity to future generations." He added, "My departure from the People Power Party is to fulfill my responsibility to defend the free Republic of Korea."

Yoon stressed, "This election is the last chance to prevent totalitarian dictatorship and to protect liberal democracy and the rule of law." He urged, "To all the people, the youth, and Kim Moonsu of the People Power Party, who shared and confirmed their passionate commitment to freedom and sovereignty with me last winter, I ask you to unite your strength."

Yoon also said, "Please make sure to participate in the vote. Every single vote you cast is a step toward protecting this nation's freedom and sovereignty and achieving prosperity." He added, "I will always stand with you. I will never forget my gratitude for your encouragement and support."

Previously, on the 15th, Kim Yongtae, acting chairman of the People Power Party's emergency committee, officially requested that former President Yoon Sukyeol voluntarily leave the party, stating, "I ask you to make a decision for the party and for victory in the presidential election."