Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced his departure from the conservative People Power Party (PPP) ahead of the snap elections scheduled for June 3. This decision follows Yoon's impeachment and removal from office due to his controversial attempt to impose martial law. The upcoming elections aim to choose a successor to Yoon, whose ouster has created significant turmoil within the country and his party.

Yoon stated his departure on Facebook, urging supporters to back Kim Moon-soo, the PPP's candidate and former labor minister. He emphasized that this decision was made to "fulfill my responsibility to protect the free Republic of Korea." Calls for Yoon to leave the party had grown recently, with the aim of attracting swing voters in the wake of the political crisis.

Yoon's attempt to declare martial law, which he justified as necessary to resolve legislative gridlock and eliminate pro-North Korean "anti-state" elements, received support from extreme religious figures and right-wing YouTubers. Violent pro-Yoon rallies occurred in January, with extremist supporters storming a Seoul courthouse after the court approved his arrest warrant. Four individuals involved in the violence received jail terms this week. Yoon was accused of implicitly supporting the violence, having previously expressed solidarity with his hardline supporters, warning of national danger and pledging his unwavering support.

On Saturday, Yoon described the upcoming snap election as a "last chance to prevent totalitarian dictatorship and protect liberal democracy and the rule of law." Kim Moon-soo, the PPP candidate, gained attention for refusing to apologize for Yoon's suspension of civilian rule. However, Kim later apologized for Yoon's martial law bid, expressing sincere remorse for the suffering it caused.

Recent polls indicate that the Democratic Party's candidate, Lee Jae-myung, is leading with 51 percent support, while Kim Moon-soo trails with 29 percent. Lee is currently facing multiple criminal trials. According to a survey by Flower Research, Lee secured a 51.7 percent support rate, while Kim received 28.7 percent.

Yoon expressed his belief that his departure from the party would be the most effective way to secure victory in the snap presidential election and safeguard the country's liberal democracy. He urged the public to unite with Kim Moon-soo and vote in the June 3 election to protect freedom, sovereignty, and prosperity.