"Yoon, I hope he has a fair trial and takes care of his health"
Shin Dongwook: "This will serve as a turning point for a dramatic victory in the presidential election"
Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party presidential candidate, stated on the 17th regarding former President Yoon Sukyeol's voluntary departure from the party, "I respect his decision."
After concluding a campaign committee meeting at the Kim Daejung Convention Center in Seo-gu, Gwangju on this day, Kim spoke with reporters and said, "I will fully accept (former President Yoon's) intention, and will strive to make the party more united and innovative, so that it becomes a party, a campaign, and a president that aligns with the will of the people."
People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moonsoo and Emergency Response Committee Chairman Kim Yongtae shed tears while paying respects at the grave of activist Park Gwanhyeon at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju on the 17th. Photo by Yonhap News
Kim also said, "I hope former President Yoon will have a fair trial and take good care of his health." When asked whether there had been any prior coordination with former President Yoon, he replied, "There was none at all."
Shin Dongwook, the chief spokesperson of the People Power Party, also met with reporters at the party's headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the same day and said, "I highly appreciate former President Yoon's decision," adding, "This will serve as an important turning point that will enable us to secure victory in the presidential election against Democratic Party candidate Lee Jaemyung."
Chief spokesperson Shin explained, "There have been various controversies, but I understand that former President Yoon has long agonized over which path would be most helpful for the party and its supporters," and added, "Candidate Kim has also spent much time in deep deliberation to ensure that our supporters would not become divided as a result of former President Yoon's decision."
He continued, "There have been many members within our party who held different opinions, but I hope that, with former President Yoon's departure from the party as a turning point, everyone will come together in unity and join forces to ensure that candidate Kim becomes president."
Na Kyungwon, a People Power Party lawmaker, wrote on her social networking service (SNS) Facebook page, "I respect former President Yoon's decision for the greater cause," adding, "Regardless of the reason, we must unite as one."
Lawmaker Yoon Sanghyun also wrote on Facebook, "Former President Yoon loves the party more than anyone," and added, "He considered only one standard in deciding whether to retain his party membership: whether it would help candidate Kim win and benefit the party."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
