People Power Party (South Korea)

People Power Party (South Korea). The People Power Party, known in Korean as 국민의힘, is a major conservative political party in South Korea. Formed in 2020 as a merger and rebranding of its predecessor, the United Future Party, it serves as the primary opposition or ruling party, alternating with the Democratic Party of Korea. The party advocates for liberal conservatism, a strong alliance with the United States, and a firm stance against the North Korean regime.

History

The party's lineage traces directly to the Liberty Korea Party and the historic Saenuri Party, which was led by former presidents like Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak. It was officially launched in February 2020 under the name United Future Party, led by then-interim leader Kim Chong-in, in an effort to consolidate conservative support ahead of the 2020 South Korean legislative election. Following a narrow defeat in that election to the Democratic Party of Korea, the party rebranded as the People Power Party in September 2020 under the leadership of Kim Gi-hyeon. A significant turning point was the election of Yoon Suk Yeol, the party's candidate, in the 2022 South Korean presidential election, defeating Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party of Korea and returning the conservatives to the Blue House after five years. The party later formed a strategic alliance with the People Party ahead of the 2024 South Korean legislative election.

Ideology and political positions

The party's platform is rooted in liberal conservatism and economic liberalism, emphasizing free-market principles, deregulation, and support for the large conglomerates that dominate the South Korean economy. In foreign policy, it strongly advocates for bolstering the South Korea–United States alliance and enhancing security cooperation through initiatives like the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group. Its stance toward North Korea is characterized by anti-communism and skepticism of the Sunshine Policy, prioritizing military strength and sanctions over unconditional engagement. On social issues, the party generally holds traditionalist views, often opposing expansions of LGBT rights in South Korea and supporting a hardline approach in historical disputes with Japan.

Electoral performance

The party's first major test as the United Future Party was the 2020 South Korean legislative election, where it won 103 seats in the National Assembly, failing to secure a majority against the Democratic Party of Korea's supermajority. Its pivotal victory came in the 2022 South Korean presidential election, with Yoon Suk Yeol winning the presidency. In the subsequent 2024 South Korean legislative election, the party, led by Han Dong-hoon, made significant gains, securing 108 seats and narrowly edging out the Democratic Party of Korea in the popular vote, though the opposition bloc maintained a legislative majority. The party performs strongly in traditional conservative strongholds like Daegu, the Gyeongsang region, and affluent districts of Seoul such as Gangnam District.

Leadership and organization

The party is currently led by Han Dong-hoon, a former Minister of Justice under President Yoon Suk Yeol. Key leadership figures have included past chairpersons like Kim Gi-hyeon and interim leaders such as Joo Ho-young. Its organizational structure is centralized, with significant power vested in the party chairman and the Supreme Council. The party maintains its headquarters in Yeouido, the political and financial heart of Seoul. It is a member of the International Democrat Union and the Asia Pacific Democrat Union, aligning it with global conservative movements. Prominent factions within the party include pro-Yoon Suk Yeol loyalists and remnants of the older Saenuri Party establishment.

Controversies and criticism

The party has faced numerous controversies, often linked to its historical connections. It has been criticized for its perceived leniency towards figures involved in the Park Geun-hye administration and the 2016 South Korean political scandal. Internal conflicts, such as public disputes between President Yoon Suk Yeol and former party leader Lee Jun-seok, have highlighted factional strife. The party's policy direction, particularly its approach to historical issues with Japan and regulatory reforms seen as favoring business interests, has drawn significant protest from the opposition and civic groups. Its social conservative stance has also placed it at odds with growing public support for issues like LGBT rights in South Korea and greater gender equality, leading to criticism from younger voters and progressive organizations.

Category:Conservative parties in South Korea Category:Political parties established in 2020 Category:International Democrat Union member parties