Yoon departs PPP, calls on public to vote for Kim

Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday announced his departure from the People Power Party (PPP), urging the public to support the party's presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo.

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In a post on his Facebook account, Yoon said, "I am leaving the People Power Party today," adding, "Although I am leaving the party, I will continue to stand at the forefront to defend freedom and national sovereignty."

He also called on voters to unite behind Kim, emphasising the importance of participating in the upcoming election.

"Please give your support to Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party. Make sure to cast your vote. Every single vote is a path toward safeguarding this country's freedom, sovereignty and prosperity," he said.

Yoon said the upcoming snap election is the "last chance to prevent totalitarian dictatorship and protect liberal democracy and the rule of law."

Yoon was removed from office in April over his botched martial law attempt in December and is facing a criminal trial.

Calls have been growing within the conservative PPP for the ousted president to sever his ties with the party, with many members believing that his departure is necessary to help boost Kim's stagnant poll numbers against DP candidate Lee Jae-myung.