Busan: Democratic Party (DP) presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung has called for the immediate expulsion of former President Yoon Suk Yeol from the People Power Party (PPP), labeling him a "military coup leader."
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee's demand follows remarks by the PPP's candidate, Kim Moon-soo, who stated that he was not considering expelling Yoon. Yoon was ousted following his brief imposition of martial law in December and currently faces criminal charges related to leading an insurrection.
"The People Power Party must immediately expel military coup leader Yoon Suk Yeol now," Lee declared during a campaign rally in Busan, located approximately 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul. He further emphasized that if the PPP respects the fundamental liberal democratic order outlined in the Constitution, it must issue a significant apology for the military coup.
Lee questioned the identity of the PPP, asking, "Is the People Power Party a conservative party as it is called? Is it a democratic party?" He urged the party to choose between transformation and potential expulsion from the political arena.
In addition, Lee expressed to reporters that he anticipates a closely contested election, despite optimistic forecasts showing him leading by a substantial margin in the polls. "Our goal is a 'certain victory' not an 'overwhelming victory,'" he stated.