Seoul: Former President Yoon Suk Yeol announced his departure from the People Power Party (PPP) on Saturday, urging the public to rally behind the party's presidential candidate, Kim Moon-soo. In a statement on his Facebook account, Yoon declared, "I am leaving the People Power Party today," while emphasizing his continued commitment to defending freedom and national sovereignty despite leaving the party.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Yoon's departure comes amid growing calls within the PPP for him to sever ties with the party. Many members believe that his exit could help boost Kim's stagnant poll numbers against the Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung. Yoon, who was removed from office in April following a failed martial law attempt in December, is currently facing a criminal trial.

In his statement, Yoon urged voters to support Kim and participate in the upcoming election, highlighting the significance of every vote in safeguarding the nation's freedom, sovereignty, and prosperity. Interim party leader Rep. Kim Yong-tae had previously expressed hope that Yoon would make a rational decision regarding his party affiliation.

PPP candidate Kim Moon-soo expressed respect for Yoon's decision to leave the party and emphasized a commitment to unity and innovation within the party. Kim stated, "We will humbly accept his decision and work to make the party more united and innovative, so that the party, the campaign and the presidency can align with the will of the people."

Opposition parties criticized Yoon's departure, pointing out the absence of an apology for his martial law attempt. DP spokesperson Rep. Hwang Jung-a described Yoon's statement as lacking reflection, while DP presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung viewed it as a political tactic. Lee Jun-seok of the New Reform Party also condemned Yoon's actions as delusional and chaotic.