Chairperson Kim Yong-tae of the People Power Party said on the 16th regarding former President Yoon Suk-yeol's departure issue, "I will contact (former President Yoon) this afternoon to inform him."
Chairperson Kim noted on KBS radio that "we need to wrap this up by the weekend" as he made this remark.
He had said at the inauguration news conference the day before, "As the emergency chairperson, I will respectfully advise the President to depart," and added, "I will ask for a decision for the party and the victory in the presidential election."
Chairperson Kim stated, "We said we would cross the river of impeachment," and added, "The answer to the issue related to former President Yoon is already out." When asked, "It seems different from the stance of candidate Kim Moon-soo regarding the departure issue of former President Yoon," he replied, "This is ultimately a judgment of the party, and I believe candidate Kim will respect the party's judgment." However, candidate Kim has continued to repeat that it is "a matter for him to judge and decide" regarding former President Yoon's departure.
Chairperson Kim said regarding the reflection of the three major principles of party-government cooperation, party-presidential separation, and prohibition of factionalism in the party's constitution and regulations, "Legal review is currently underway, and if it progresses quickly, we may finish the opinion collection process next week and convene the National Committee."
He addressed the controversy surrounding the appointment of attorney Seok Dong-hyun, who is a lawyer for former President Yoon, as the head of the special committee on civil society in the election committee, saying, "I understand that the appointment documents were issued for individuals who wish to serve in the election committee at an operational level. I will also address this issue promptly."
Regarding the possibility of an alliance with candidate Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party, Chairperson Kim noted, "If the gap between candidate Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party and candidate Kim narrows, the Reform Party may also face considerable deliberation," adding, "The more important thing is whether we can normalize internal party democracy and the relationship between the party and the President in terms of justification and will for execution." He continued, "I will create an opportunity to apologize once again to candidate Lee regarding previous disciplinary issues in the People Power Party. I will visit and talk soon."
However, fellow party member Representative Yoon Sang-hyun stated on Facebook that "this issue (whether to depart) is not a matter for public discussion," adding that "it is not helpful at all for the election committee or party officials to speak out publicly on this matter." He remarked, "Former President Yoon has the thought of doing anything that will be most helpful for candidate Kim's victory," and clarified, "He intends to closely discuss with the party the timing and methods regarding his own future decision."