To Save the People Power Party... Pro-Impeachment: "Yoon and Martial Law Must Go," Anti-Impeachment: "Internal Division Must End"

Sharp Division Over Causes of Falling Approval Ratings
Pro-Impeachment vs. Anti-Impeachment Factions Present Conflicting Arguments

During the second televised debate held on the 17th, candidates running in the People Power Party’s 8·22 National Convention were sharply divided over the causes of the party’s declining approval ratings, with the pro-impeachment and anti-impeachment factions presenting conflicting arguments.

Candidates running for the People Power Party leadership election are taking a commemorative photo before the second television debate held at KBS in Yeouido, Seoul on the 17th. Photo by Yonhap News

Representative Cho Kyungtae, at the sixth televised debate for party leadership candidates held at the KBS headquarters in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, addressed the question of what the People Power Party must abandon in the face of its presidential election defeat and falling approval ratings. He answered, "Former President Yoon Suk-yeol." He emphasized, "We must cross the 'Yoon Suk-yeol River,' who betrayed the values of conservatism and both the People Power Party and the people, inflicting great suffering and damage through an illegal emergency martial law."

Representative Ahn Cheolsoo stated, "The People Power Party must abandon the defense of martial law to survive," adding, "The Constitutional Court unanimously ruled that the martial law was unconstitutional. Upholding the rule of law is the true path for conservatives."

On the other hand, anti-impeachment figures such as Representative Jang Donghyuk and former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moonsoo pointed to internal divisions as the main issue. Representative Jang stressed, "The People Power Party can only survive by eliminating internal divisions," and added, "One enemy inside is far more dangerous than fifty enemies outside." He continued, "The People Power Party can survive only when it unites as one."

Former Minister Kim also said, "The People Power Party can only regain its strength by abandoning division," and emphasized, "We can achieve unity when we come together, talk, debate, and move forward together." He added, "We must openly discuss difficult issues and become one through proper procedures."