The recent public comments made by Yoon Suk Yeol, a former president of Korea, have, at least for the moment, sounded alarm bells in his own conservative party, the People Power Party (PPP). The alarm arises from the fact that, even after his dramatic ousting, Yoon appears to be cultivating the image of a returning active politician, which would be detrimental to the stubbornly placid Yoon PPP’s preemptive goals.
A Defiant Message: “I Will Always Stand By Your Side”
With regard to his “primary bastion,” Yoon said on Sunday that “Although I have stepped down from the presidency, I will always stand by your side.” These words are now viewed as politically suggestive, especially if placed alongside the not-too-distant-in-time Inter-Constitutional Court ruling.
PPP’s Efforts: Apology and a Focus on Forward
As long as Yoon’s rough approach asserts the party’s authority, Yoon’s rivals, led by the PPP emergency committee leader Kwon Young-se, have stuck to taunting softer approaches. They have accepted the ruling, offered an apology, and aimed to concentrate on what is next, which is the presidential election.
Concerns of Yoon’s Ongoing Messaging: Fears of Polarization
Yoon’s continued public messaging has complicated the PPP’s efforts to project a unified front. The party is concerned his comments may further entrench the political polarization stalemate that marked his presidency and lose the support of centrist voters vital for electoral success.
Restraint: Internal Warnings
This concern was addressed publicly by the party’s chief floor spokesperson, Kim Dai-sik, on YTN Radio, who called on Yoon to show restraint. As he put it, “Regardless of whether he thinks he was wronged, he shouldn’t be putting out public messages,” adding, “It will greatly compromise our chances of winning centrist voters.”
Shock and Meetings: Behind-the-Scenes Politicking
These restrictions do not appear to have been followed because, as it seems, Yoon has continued to do some political poker behind the curtains. On Saturday, he spent one hour with PPP Rep. Na Kyung-won, who is notoriously against the impeachment, at the presidential residence. Yoon reportedly thanked her for her enduring support and lamented telling party sources how shocked he was at the court’s ruling, saying he never expected it.
Hints of a Return: “He Cannot Stay Silent Forever”
In the context of the ruling, Yoon had a very short meeting with the party’s top brass where he potentially suggested a rekindling of political involvement. “He has to return to public life sooner or later. The opposition is not lessening their assaults,” a political source in Yoon’s orbit relayed discussions to the JoongAng Ilbo.
Relocation Plans: Moving Away from the Presidential Residence
Yoon is now at an official xomce at the presidential xomce in the designated sumptuous suburban xomce known as Hannam-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul xomce. But he is likely to shift to Acro Vista, Seocho-dong, where his private residence is, on Wednesday. The close aide conceded that the security-overhaul complications are the reason why he is still in his official residence.
A Precedent: Park Geun-hye’s Rapid Exit
This reminds one of the scenario during the 2017 impeachment of Park Geun-hye, when she returned to private life after being installed in a Samseong-dong home she was forced out of just 2 days after being booted. Yoon’s aides attribute his delayed movement to having to contend with high-rise residential building renovation peculiarities.
A Political Waiting Game
Yoon’s actions after the impeachment have caused paralysis within the PPP, as the party comes to terms with what his engagement in politics will mean for her. In the next few days and weeks, it will be evident how Yoon will utilize his remaining political capital and what strides he takes to consolidate his position, and how those efforts will shape the future of the PPP.
