Party members wanted Yoon Suk Yeol out so they could muster more support from moderate voters who have a negative view of his surprise martial-law declaration last year.

South Korea’s impeached ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol today said he is leaving his conservative party before snap elections triggered by his ouster last month over a disastrous bid to impose martial law.

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced his departure from the People Power Party (PPP). “Though I depart from the party, I will continue to serve the cause of defending freedom and national sovereignty,” Yoon wrote on Friday, May 17, 2025, in a Facebook post quoted by Cosun, Sunday, May 18, 2025.