'Yoon's Attorney' Kim Gyeri Expresses Bewilderment as People Power Party Puts Membership on Hold: "They Said 'Welcome to the Family'"

People Power Party Convenes Membership Review Committee for Kim Gyeri's Application
Kim Gyeri: "Why is My Membership Causing Such Controversy... I Am Bewildered"

Kim Gyeri, the attorney who represented former President Yoon Seokyeol in his impeachment trial and made remarks about being "enlightened," expressed bewilderment after his application to join the People Power Party was put on hold. Previously, on the 19th, Kim Yongtae, acting chairman of the People Power Party's emergency committee, told reporters at the National Assembly that he had instructed the party membership qualification review committee to convene regarding Attorney Kim's application. Kim Yongtae stated, "I have instructed the Seoul Metropolitan Party to convene the membership qualification review committee, and a decision will likely be made soon," adding, "As of now, the application is pending." According to the People Power Party's constitution and regulations, a membership qualification review committee must be established at both the central and regional party levels to review the qualifications of membership applicants.

Kim Gyeri, attorney for former President Yoon Seokyeol, who has been indicted on charges of leading an insurrection and abuse of authority obstructing the exercise of rights, is entering the courtroom at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 19th. Photo by Joint Press Corps

Attorney Kim expressed disbelief at the sudden change in stance regarding his membership in the People Power Party. On that day, Attorney Kim stated on his social media (SNS), "I applied for membership, and they said they would notify me of the approval status via a mobile message. A couple of hours after applying, I already received a message on my phone saying, 'Member Kim Gyeri, we sincerely welcome you as a new member of the People Power Party.'"

Amid these developments, Attorney Kim also posted a screenshot of his completed application on his phone and the welcome message from the People Power Party confirming his membership. He said, "They already notified me with a welcome message, so I am confused as to whether there is another procedure for a qualification review. As this is my first time becoming a party member, I am bewildered." He added, "I don't understand why my membership is causing such controversy or whose idea this is. I can see and hear what's going on, but let's focus on winning the election. Am I the only one who feels that every moment counts?"

Attorney Kim expressed disbelief at the sudden change in stance regarding joining the People Power Party. On that day, Attorney Kim stated on his social media (SNS), "I applied for membership, and they said they would notify me of the approval status via a mobile message. A couple of hours after applying, I already received a message on my phone saying, 'Member Kim Gyeri, we sincerely welcome you as a new member of the People Power Party.'" Kim Gyeri Facebook

Attorney Kim also defended the 12·3 insurrection incident during the Constitutional Court's impeachment trial of former President Yoon, making comments such as "I have been enlightened." Even after former President Yoon was removed from office, Attorney Kim continued to refer to him as "Yoonbeoji" (a portmanteau of Yoon Seokyeol and father) and took steps toward founding the Yoonagain Party.