Ahead of the Constitutional Court's ruling on the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk-yeol, the internal political calculations within the People Power Party appear to have become complex. The party leadership is expected to increase its pressure urging the Constitutional Court to dismiss the impeachment.
The People Power Party announced on the 10th that it would begin to gather opinions on future responses to the political situation ahead of the impeachment trial ruling at a general meeting of lawmakers on the 11th. Senior lawmakers expressed opinions that they should engage in overnight sit-ins urging the "dismissal of the impeachment trial" against the Democratic Party, which has entered into a full-blown battle, and the party leadership accepted this.
The People Power Party seems to be focusing its efforts on pressuring the Constitutional Court. Within the party, voices are being raised emphasizing that the court's upholding of President Yoon's request for canceling his arrest noted that the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) does not have the authority to investigate insurrection.
Chairperson Kwon also said at the emergency committee meeting on the same day, "The justices of the Constitutional Court must make the right decision based on their own conscience and beliefs, as well as legal judgment, without being shaken by the opposition's ultra-constitutional claims."
A party official noted, "There is a common opinion within the party that the Constitutional Court should keep in mind the procedural legitimacy, and whether we demand a unified argument to resume or a dismissal must be addressed at the general meeting, I believe they will discuss such matters."
In particular, the party sees a higher possibility of a not guilty verdict on charges of insurrection in the criminal trial. Accordingly, they are reportedly considering how to lead the court to dismiss the impeachment while also preparing for responses if the opposition party tries to reinstate the impeachment trial.
Some suggest that the ruling party has fallen into a dilemma. Initially, the People Power Party was inclined to wait quietly, continuing its policy steps until the ruling on President Yoon's impeachment trial. However, as public opinion for the dismissal and rejection of impeachment grew among the strong supporters following President Yoon's release, they felt they could not remain unresponsive. With the strong conservative faction rallying after President Yoon's release and his influence growing within the conservative camp, it has become more difficult to distance themselves from President Yoon. A party official stated, "(President Yoon's) official duties as the head of the executive branch have been suspended, but his function as the party's number one member and central figure is not absent."
Kweon Seong-dong, the emergency response chair of the People Power Party, and floor leader Kwon Seong-dong visited President Yoon's residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, on the evening of the 9th. This marks their second visit to President Yoon following a meeting at Seoul Detention Center on the 3rd of last month. There are interpretations that the party leadership is taking on the role of conveying President Yoon's messages while aligning with the rallying of strong supporters. Furthermore, there are predictions that if the impeachment is upheld, President Yoon's influence cannot be overlooked even in a scenario for an early presidential election.
On the same day, People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun stated in an interview on Channel A's radio show "Political Signal," "The impeachment of President Yoon will not be upheld," adding, "Political analysts say that our side (the ruling party) will have to carry the sentiments of Yoon in the presidential candidate."
Conversely, there are also significant voices within the party stating that the party leadership should be prepared for the possibility of impeachment being upheld.
Emergency response committee member Kim Yong-tae stated on the morning of the same day in MBC radio's "Kim Jong-bae's Focus, "If it is upheld, we must also consider how to conduct an early presidential election." A ruling party official also said, "With the release of President Yoon, the strong supporters seem to be energized, and it appears that major party figures are also being cautious. The party leadership must maintain stability. There are concerns about how to hold the presidential election if the ruling is upheld."