Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party who declared his candidacy for the 21st presidential election, noted on the 18th, 'Former President Yoon Suk-yeol must now make a decision to leave the party.'
Earlier, Ahn was unified with candidate Yoon Suk-yeol during the last 20th presidential election. He is a leading member of the 'Chantan faction' (pro-impeachment group).
Just the day before, Ahn had stated, 'Former President Yoon is deeply contemplating how he can restore the party and rebuild conservatism. I hear that he will make a decision that is appropriate.' However, he elevated his statements within just one day.
On that day, Ahn expressed through his Facebook, 'The resignation of an impeached former president is the bare minimum of responsible politics,' adding, 'The president and the affiliated political party are in a community of destiny under an imperial presidential system.'
Ahn stated, 'The Constitutional Court's impeachment decision is the highest level of political judgment,' and that 'Former President Yoon's resignation is a starting point for the political party that has taken on political joint responsibility to reorganize.'
He continued, 'Past presidents have also resigned for the reason of not wanting to burden the party during their term.' He added, 'For an impeached former president, resignation is the minimum responsibility to the people and the party. Leaving the party on one's own is the first step towards our party's renewal.'
Ahn further asserted, 'If this continues, we are destined to fail in the presidential election. A party defending a former president cannot gain the trust of the people. Only by crossing the river of impeachment can the party unite and open the possibility of victory.'