Former prosecutor general, Yoon Seok-youl (pictured), a rising opposition candidate in the next presidential election, announced on June 15 that he would officially declare his bid for the presidency as early as the end of June. Yoon had not stated any clear position on this issue only communicating through his acquaintances for over three months since he stepped down as prosecutor general on March 4. This was the first time that he expressed his intention to run for president along with a timetable. However, Yoon has yet to reach a conclusion on whether to join the People Power Party and if so, when he will join the major opposition.

This day Yoon’s spokesperson, Lee Dong-hoon told reporters, “Yoon is considering an announcement on his entering politics,” and said, “It will be in late June or early July.” Lee further said, “Yoon suggested that we use a shared office in Yeouido for his office,” and added, “He is reviewing everything including these details.”

Lee spoke with the Kyunghyang Shinmun reporter over the phone and described Yoon’s declaration to enter politics as “having the same meaning as announcing a presidential bid.” He also explained, “It will be about why he is running for president at this time and what kind of Republic of Korea he wants to build.” As for the reason Yoon decided to share such plans, Lee said, “The people deserve to know why he is running for president.” He also said, “You can think of the office in Yeouido as his presidential campaign office,” and explained that Yoon had organized much of his camp, having formed much of the policy areas as well as the already launched public relations team.

As for Yoon joining the People Power Party and if so when, Lee drew the line saying, “Don’t specify the time as the end of August.” In other words, Yoon’s declaration of his presidential bid did not mean that he was joining the People Power Party. Lee said, “When he announces his presidential bid, the question of him joining the party emerges, but he will decide after meeting more people from various parts of society.” In the past, Yoon had responded with a nothing-is-decided attitude to the People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok’s demand for him “to decide whether to join the party by the end of August.”

However, this day, Lee Dong-hoon appeared on YTN radio and said, “Yoon Seok-youl’s timetable and Lee Joon-seok’s timetable will not clash,” and added, “Yoon is eyeing public opinion with Lee’s calendar in mind. He will make a choice in the not too far future.” The spokesperson’s words appear to put more weight on Yoon joining the People Power Party in August.

Lee Jun-seok welcomed Yoon’s position. Lee spoke with the Kyunghyang Shinmun reporter over the phone and said, “We were concerned about the delay in Yoon’s political activities, but we are positive about the latest developments for they seem to resolve such concerns.” As for Yoon joining the party, the major opposition party leader said, “There were no interactions between us,” and added, “We will wait expectantly for his future actions.”

Meanwhile, this day, Yoon also disclosed his visit to the Kim Dae Jung Library of Yonsei University in Mapo-gu, Seoul on June 11. Yoon wrote in the guestbook, “I will deeply engrave the reflection and teachings of President Kim Dae-jung, who opened a new frontier for the Republic of Korea on the foundation of informatization and the value of human rights.” He emphasized the Kim Dae-jung spirit in time for the 21st anniversary of the June 15 North and South Korea Joint Declaration.