Yoon Seok-yeol's Side Draws the Line on 'Early Party Entry Rumors,' Calls Song Young-gil's Remarks "Out of Line" (Comprehensive)

Yoon's Side: "Rumors of Ordinary Members Joining Are Not Our Position"
"Crossed the Line" on Song Young-gil's Mention of 'Family Investigation'

Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Hyunju Lee and Juni Park] Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, who fueled rumors of joining the People Power Party (PPP) through contacts with its lawmakers, is once again distancing himself from the political sphere.

On the 3rd, Yoon's side told this outlet in a phone interview, "There is no set decision regarding whether or when to join the (People Power) Party," adding, "The idea that he would join as a regular member is different from our position."

Recently, as it became known that former Prosecutor General Yoon met sequentially with PPP lawmakers Kwon Seong-dong, Yoon Hee-sook, and Jeong Jin-seok, speculation about an early party entry gained momentum in political circles. The day before, an article even forecasted that Yoon would join the PPP as a regular member immediately after the party's convention in mid-month.

However, Yoon's side denied this. The reason Yoon has taken a step back appears to be that while he may ultimately join the PPP, the timing and other details have not yet been decided. Although there is a method to join as a regular member and become a responsible party member with electoral rights within the party, he could also choose to unify candidacies after the PPP's final candidate is selected. Many close to Yoon reportedly advised him to stay outside the party as much as possible rather than joining immediately.

The trial of Yoon's mother-in-law, Ms. Choi, could also be a variable. The day before, Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, sparked political controversy by demanding a strict investigation of Yoon's family, similar to that of former Justice Minister Cho Kuk. Ms. Choi's election trial is scheduled for the 2nd of next month.

Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, holds a press conference marking one month since his inauguration at the party leader's office in the National Assembly on the 2nd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On that day, Ms. Choi's attorney, lawyer Son Kyung-sik, expressed displeasure in a statement over the political exploitation of the case. Son said, "Even politicians with legal backgrounds, who should understand and respect the value of the judicial system, are crossing the line," implicitly targeting Leader Song, who is also a lawyer. Son also responded to former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun's criticism that investigations related to Yoon's family have been sluggish, stating, "Rather, the Central District Prosecutors' Office seems to indefinitely maintain a 'under investigation' status for cases where there is no evidence or possibility of proof, creating a kind of frame."

Regardless of the form, the fact that former Prosecutor General Yoon will challenge for the presidency remains unchanged. Jang Ye-chan, a current affairs commentator who recently met with Yoon, said, "There are many opinions, but it is the Prosecutor General's decision, and if he makes a decision, from what I have seen, he is not someone who wavers," adding, "He will meet with the people a lot."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.