South Korea's ex-president Yoon leaves party ahead of presidential election

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol announced departure from his conservative People Power Party on Saturday ahead of the June 3 presidential election. Yoon noted that his departure from the party, he believed, would be the best way he can to win the snap presidential election and protect the country's liberal democracy. 

Calls recently emerged for Yoon to leave the party to woo swing voters in the upcoming election, caused by Yoon's botched martial law bid, his impeachment and his permanent removal from office. Yoon asked the public to join forces with Kim Moon-soo, presidential candidate of the People Power Party, and cast their ballots in the June 3 election to safeguard freedom, sovereignty and prosperity.