On April 17, 2025, the defense team for former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol announced the temporary suspension of the launch of the 'Yoon Suk-yeol New Party' just hours after its initial announcement. Bae Euicheol, a lawyer who was part of Yoon's impeachment trial defense team, explained the decision was made to avoid burdening the former president with misunderstandings and speculations surrounding the new political movement.
Bae stated, "We intended to gather the 'Yoon Again' movement nationwide into one political force to protect the former president." He emphasized that the movement aims to uphold values such as a free market economy, the rule of law, fairness, and common sense, which they believe are essential for addressing the perceived corruption in the current political landscape.
Amid intense pressure from the People Power Party, Bae opened an online public relations channel called 'Yoon Again New Party Outside Reporters Group' at 4 PM on April 17, announcing a press conference for April 18. However, by 8 PM the same day, he canceled the event, stating that the founding of the new party was postponed. This abrupt change raised eyebrows and led to questions about the internal dynamics within Yoon's camp.
During the initial announcement, Bae highlighted the desire among young supporters to present a path for Yoon to return to power and rectify the nation's course. He noted, "Our youth believe that President Yoon is the rightful leader of a free Republic of Korea, and they wish to express their aspirations for freedom and sovereignty without interference from any political forces." This reflects a growing sentiment among young conservatives who feel compelled to act in response to what they perceive as injustices in the political system.
Despite the fervor surrounding the new party, Bae clarified that Yoon himself would not be directly involved in its formation. Lawyer Yoon Gap-geun, another member of Yoon's defense team, stated that the youth involved in the movement are merely seeking to inherit the spirit of Yoon's leadership. He remarked, "The young people who opposed the impeachment are expressing their anger and desire for action, but the president will not be joining or directly intervening in this new party."
The 'Yoon Again' rally, organized by the youth group Jayu Daehak, has become a focal point for supporters of Yoon, with its core slogan being "Verifying Unfair Elections." This rally is indicative of the broader frustrations felt by many in the pro-Yoon youth demographic, who view the impeachment as a politically motivated attack against their leader.
While the creation of the chat room for journalists invited considerable criticism, particularly regarding the collection of phone numbers without consent, Bae Euicheol apologized for any discomfort caused and promised to create an anonymous group chat for future communications. He explained that he had received contact information through a lawmaker, a statement that raised further questions about the transparency of the party's operations.
As the situation develops, the tension between Yoon's supporters and the established political structures in South Korea continues to grow. The defense team’s attempt to unify the 'Yoon Again' movement under a single political banner reflects a strategic effort to mobilize support and counteract the political pressures faced by Yoon since his impeachment.
In the wake of the announcement's cancellation, there is speculation about the future of the 'Yoon Again' movement. Bae indicated that while the press conference was postponed, they remain committed to finding the best path forward for the movement, stating, "We will continue to communicate and seek the best way for the freedom coalition to unite and succeed." This suggests that while the immediate plans for a new party may be on hold, the underlying motivations and goals of Yoon's supporters remain strong.
Moreover, the situation highlights the complexities within South Korean politics, particularly regarding the influence of youth movements and their capacity to sway political narratives. The 'Yoon Again' movement is emblematic of a broader trend where younger generations are increasingly vocal about their political beliefs and aspirations.
As Yoon Suk-yeol's defense team navigates these challenges, the future of the 'Yoon Again' movement will likely hinge on their ability to maintain unity among supporters and effectively communicate their vision for the country. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this newly proposed political force can gain traction or if it will remain a fleeting moment in the turbulent landscape of South Korean politics.
In conclusion, the unfolding events surrounding the 'Yoon Again' movement reflect a pivotal moment for Yoon Suk-yeol's supporters, as they strive to consolidate their efforts into a cohesive political entity while grappling with the realities of the current political climate.
