Ruling party presidential hopefuls walk fine line as Yoon impeachment fate hangs in balance

Leading figures of the ruling People Power Party, widely regarded as potential contenders in the next presidential election, are treading cautiously as the Constitutional Court’s ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, delayed beyond initial expectations, raises political uncertainties within the conservative bloc.

Such actions mark a sharp contrast to earlier moves, when many of these hopefuls took bold steps in anticipation of a possible early election, preparing for a scenario in which the Constitutional Court upholds the impeachment passed by the opposition-led National Assembly last year.

However, as the political landscape evolved following the court’s March 7 decision to cancel Yoon’s detention and, more recently, its dismissal of impeachment motions against the state auditor and top prosecutors on Friday, presidential hopefuls have become more cautious, scaling back their activities amid growing speculation over Yoon’s return.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, both seen as key ruling party contenders, have recently postponed the launch events for their new books — a move often seen as a precursor to a presidential.

Oh, a four-term mayor of the capital and two-term lawmaker from the party’s predecessor Grand National Party, had planned to release a book outlining his growth-centered policy vision under the slogan “Korea Growth Again” on Friday, but postponed the event to March 24.

Similarly, Hong, a five-term lawmaker and the ruling party’s presidential candidate in the 2017 election, has postponed the release of two books that were scheduled for Friday, with no new dates announced.

“Given the growing expectation that the Constitutional Court may dismiss Yoon’s impeachment, the hopefuls are in a tricky position,” said an official from the People Power Party. “They are likely keeping all options open and preparing for every scenario as they wait for the court’s decision before making their next moves.”

Other hopefuls are also showing a cautious approach.

Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon initially released his book “The People Come First” on Feb. 26, but has kept a low profile since Yoon’s release.

After holding a book event in Busan on March 10, Han canceled his remaining scheduled events. He made a rare public appearance Sunday, attending a service at Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul as part of efforts to appeal to the religious community.

Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo, who gained renewed attention among conservatives for his firm defense of the administration — including his refusal to apologize at National Assembly hearings following Yoon’s controversial Dec. 3 martial law declaration — remains focused on his Cabinet duties, refraining from expressing any presidential ambitions.

According to a Gallup Korea poll conducted Tuesday through Thursday, Kim led all People Power Party contenders with 10 percent support, followed by Han at 6 percent. Mayors Oh and Hong trailed with 4 percent and 3 percent, respectively.

Less prominent contenders are also taking subdued steps.

Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo, who had planned to run in the 2022 presidential election but ultimately endorsed Yoon, has kept a low profile, aside from emphasizing on Facebook that both the ruling and opposition parties should pledge to accept the Constitutional Court’s ruling, regardless of the outcome.

Last week, Ahn visited the birthplace of former President Park Chung-hee in North Gyeongsang Province — a traditional conservative stronghold — and is scheduled to visit former President Lee Myung-bak on Monday, in what is seen as an effort to appeal to conservative voters.

Former lawmaker Yoo Seong-min, the founder and a former presidential candidate of the now-defunct Bareun Party, also plans to visit North Gyeongsang Province on Wednesday. The Bareun Party was established in 2017 as an alternative to the then-ruling Saenuri Party, another predecessor of the People Power Party.