Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun of the ruling People Power Party bows deeply to Pastor Jun Kwang-hoon during an anti-impeachment rally near the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, Sunday. Captured from Jun Kwang-hoon TV on YouTube

People Power Party (PPP) Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun has drawn criticism for his outspoken support of President Yoon Suk Yeol and participation in far-right rallies led by pastor Jun Kwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church. Most recently, the lawmaker was seen bowing at a rally organized by Jun, sparking concerns even within his party.

Lawmaker Yoon attended a rally near the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, Sunday, where Jun, a vocal opponent of impeachment efforts against the president, lauded him from the stage, saying, "You might become president if you keep this up."

The lawmaker responded with a 90-degree bow. Jun, who has led rallies defending Yoon's controversial emergency martial law declaration, criticized the ruling party for its lack of unity, to which lawmaker Yoon replied, "I'm sorry," bowing again.

This is not the first time the lawmaker has appeared at Jun's rallies. On Dec. 28, he attended a demonstration in Gwanghwamun and apologized with a full bow for failing to block the president's impeachment motion.

Critics say that it is inappropriate for a senior lawmaker from a conservative party, which emphasizes the rule of law, to associate with extremist rallies.

The ruling party previously distanced itself from Jun. Last year, former party Supreme Council member Kim Jae-won faced a one-year suspension from the party for praising Jun and his influence on the conservative movement.

Despite this precedent, no action has been taken against lawmaker Yoon for repeated appearances at Jun's rallies, raising questions about the party's consistency.

Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun of the People Power Party kneels in a deep bow during a rally organized by the Korea Straightening Movement near Gwanghwamun, Seoul, Dec. 28. Captured from Jun Kwang-hoon TV on YouTube

Even within the party, dissenting voices have emerged. Former PPP lawmaker Kim Sung-tae criticized lawmakers attending Jun's rallies on Thursday, calling it "opportunistic behavior that fuels division and discord."

He warned of lasting repercussions for the party. In contrast, the party leadership has maintained that participation in the rallies is a matter of personal choice and poses no issue.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.