Should Former President Yoon Leave the PPP?

Synopsis
The interim leader of South Korea's PPP is urging former President Yoon Suk Yeol to exit the party to strengthen their chances in the upcoming June 3 presidential election. With the party lagging behind the DP, this critical decision could reshape the political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Interim leader urges Yoon to leave the PPP.
- Party struggles against rival Democratic Party.
- Calls for Yoon's exit grow among party members.
- Plans to revise party regulations to ensure democratic practices.
- Kim Moon-soo maintains neutral stance on Yoon's departure.
Seoul, May 15 (NationPress) The recently appointed interim leader of the South Korean People Power Party (PPP) has called on former President Yoon Suk Yeol to resign from the party, aiming to enhance its chances in the upcoming presidential election on June 3. The PPP is currently facing challenges as it seeks to close the gap with its main competitor, the Democratic Party (DP).
Within the PPP, there is a growing sentiment urging the ousted president to disengage from the party, as many members believe his exit is crucial for revitalizing the campaign of presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo, whose polling numbers have stagnated.
The conservative PPP, which Yoon is affiliated with, appears to be distancing itself from him, especially with less than three weeks remaining before the election against the DP's candidate, Lee Jae-myung.
During a press conference following his appointment, Rep. Kim Yong-tae stated, “I trust the former president will make a sensible choice.”
He added, “As the interim leader, I would politely recommend that the president depart from the party.”
This election will determine Yoon's successor, who was ousted from office on April 4 due to a failed attempt at martial law, which has left the PPP in a state of uncertainty and division.
Kim Moon-soo has maintained a neutral stance regarding Yoon's potential exit, suggesting that the decision rests with Yoon himself, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Kim remarked, “The decision for a president to leave the party is solely up to the president.”
Some members of the PPP expressed concerns that it may be challenging for Kim Moon-soo to directly call for Yoon's departure, indicating that Kim Yong-tae may take the lead on this matter.
Kim Yong-tae noted in an earlier interview with SBS Radio, “Many people acknowledge that Yoon’s impeachment was justified.”
He mentioned, “We aim to resolve this matter by the end of this week.”
The interim leader also announced plans to amend the party's charter and regulations to prevent presidents associated with the party from influencing internal affairs.
He said, “We will work towards institutionalizing party democracy by normalizing the relationship between the ruling party and the president.”
Furthermore, “We plan to restrict the president from intervening in crucial party matters, including internal elections, nominations, and appointments of party officials.”