PPP's Kim calls martial law declaration 'inappropriate' and apologizes amid calls to expell Yoon

The conservative party's Kim Moon-soo kicked off Friday morning by reaching out to commuters again.

On Thursday, he spent the day apologizing to the South Korean people for the failed martial law order by former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Our Kim Do-yeon reports.

Returning to Seoul on Thursday after a three-day tour of the southeast, People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo kept a low profile — with no major rallies — possibly taking time to regroup at his campaign headquarters.

But attention quickly turned to a familiar issue: the legacy of impeached former president Yoon Suk Yeol and his declaration of martial law.

Kim, at a press conference, issued a second public apology.

"So I sincerely and respectfully apologize — to those struggling to make a living outside of the capital region, to many whose lives have become more difficult, to those feeling weighed down or disheartened, and to all affected by the deepening divisions in public opinion."

Kim was also asked about whether Yoon should be expelled from the party.

He responded that the decision to leave rests solely with Yoon.

That came after newly appointed interim leader Kim Yong-tae said in a morning interview that expulsion could be on the table and that he plans to personally suggest that Yoon step down.

Some in the party agree, arguing that distancing from Yoon is critical to winning over undecided voters, who are largely critical of the martial law controversy.

Meanwhile, the PPP continued its attacks on rival Lee Jae-myung, this time by protesting outside the Supreme Court.

The party accuses the Democratic Party of pressuring the judiciary branch after the Supreme Court ruled against Lee in his election violation case and sent it back to a lower court for a guilty verdict.

The DP has since moved to summon Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae for a hearing, started pushing for a special probe, and is even reviewing a possible impeachment.

"They say democracy is about the rule of law — but have you ever seen anything so absurd? A criminal threatening a judge, summoning a judge for a hearing, launching a special investigation into a judge, or even trying to impeach a judge? Have you ever heard of such madness?"

On the policy front, Kim marked Teachers' Day by unveiling his education pledges — including bringing AI into classrooms and restoring teachers' authority, saying excessive student protections have weakened discipline while also strengthening public education.

He also appealed his diplomatic skills, as he met interim U.S. Ambassador Joseph Yun.

While the discussion remains private, Kim's chief of staff said they talked candidly about the Korean Peninsula and tariff issues.

Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.