The People Power Party candidates for the 21st presidential election clashed over the restructuring of relations with former President Yoon Suk-yeol. Na Kyung-won, who has been at the forefront of the 'anti-impeachment' stance, said, "You can't peddle Yoon's heart in the presidential election." Han Dong-hoon, a representative of the 'pro-impeachment faction,' pointed out that regarding the distancing from the former president, "It's already too late."
The People Power Party presidential candidates expressed their positions on issues such as their relationship with former President Yoon and the presidential office after the 'Media Day' event held at the party's headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 17th.
Tensions were evident between the anti-impeachment and pro-impeachment factions. Na Kyung-won stated, "You cannot peddle Yoon's heart in the presidential election." Earlier, in a BBS radio interview that day, she questioned whether it is appropriate to overly promote or even mention former President Yoon in preparing for the new presidential election. There are interpretations suggesting that Na, who has voiced 'anti-impeachment' sentiments, has sought to distance herself from former President Yoon as the competitive election race officially begins.
Han Dong-hoon observed Na's remarks from the back. In response to a question from reporters regarding the 'position on organizing the relationship with former President Yoon,' he stated, "When I was party leader, I publicly instructed the ethics committee to expel him while former President Yoon was still in office," and added, "Those speaking about this now are late." He further mentioned, "It doesn't matter whether it is important to discuss whether to expel (former President Yoon) now that he is an ordinary party member."
Kim Moon-soo, former Minister of Employment and Labor, who is leading in various polls, stated, "The relationship with former President Yoon is a matter to be decided by the party." He further remarked, "When a president faces issues, they want to cut off the president they elected to evade crises and hope to restore approval ratings, but that is not responsible politics."
In response to the question, "Is it right to continue to support a president who was removed through unconstitutional martial law?" he explained, "I don't think it's solely the president's responsibility. Our party also bears significant responsibility," adding, "However, even if we cut it off to escape, there is no citizen who thinks, 'This has nothing to do with your party.'"
Yang Hyang-ja, a former member of the National Assembly from Samsung Electronics, stated, "Regarding the issue of leaving the party, former President Yoon has to make the call," and remarked, "Leave while you are being applauded. I wish you success."
Candidates from the People Power Party expressed mixed opinions on the commitment announced by Lee Jae-myung, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and other party members to transfer the presidential office to Sejong.
The former minister noted, "There are various aspects of controversy. We need to gather opinions and make a decision." Han Dong-hoon also stated, "The presidential term begins on June 4. Will we not move into Yongsan? Will we work out of a hotel?" He emphasized, "Realistically, work comes first. We can discuss citizens' sentiments, efficiency, and balanced regional issues later."
Ahn Cheol-soo expressed his intention that the presidential office should return to Cheong Wa Dae. He said, "Using the White House as a model, some parts will utilize the presidential office while the rest will be opened to the public for tours."
Na Kyung-won remarked, "I am open to the transfer to Sejong," but added, "Moving the presidential office to Sejong is clearly an issue that requires constitutional amendments. There are necessary procedures."