Seoul: Former President Yoon Suk Yeol has officially announced his departure from the People Power Party (PPP), urging the public to lend their support to the party’s presidential candidate, Kim Moon-soo.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the announcement was made through a post on Yoon’s Facebook account, where he stated, “I am leaving the People Power Party today.” Despite his departure, Yoon emphasized his ongoing commitment to defending freedom and national sovereignty, urging voters to rally behind Kim in the upcoming election.

Yoon’s appeal highlighted the significance of voter participation, saying, “Please give your support to Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party. Make sure to cast your vote. Every single vote is a path toward safeguarding this country’s freedom, sovereignty and prosperity.”

The backdrop to Yoon’s departure traces back to his removal from office in April, following a failed martial law attempt in December. Within the PPP, there have been increasing calls for him to sever ties with the party, with many members believing that his exit could help improve Kim’s stagnant poll numbers against the Democratic Party candidate, Lee Jae-myung.

Interim party leader Rep. Kim Yong-tae addressed the matter at a recent press conference, stating, “I believe the (former) president will make a rational decision. As the interim leader, I would respectfully recommend the president leave the party.”

PPP candidate Kim Moon-soo has maintained a neutral stance regarding Yoon’s exit, indicating that the decision was Yoon’s to make. Meanwhile, more centrist members within the party have advocated for the leadership to formally dissolve Yoon’s affiliation with the PPP.