Korea Vision Party
The Korea Vision Party (Korean: 국민생각, Gungmin Saenggak, "National Thought"), more commonly known as the K Party, is a center-rightist political party in South Korea. It was founded on 12 February 2012 by Park Se-il, president of the Hansun Foundation, a conservative think tank.[3] There are concerns that the K Party will split the conservative vote,[4] though Park Se-il met with Saenuri leader Park Geun-hye on 23 February, with Park Geun-hye commenting that "If a party holds the same values and orientation, we are open to partnering".[5] The party aims to field over 200 candidates in the April elections, favoring the selection of women and younger politicians.[6] In an opinion poll conducted on 24–25 February 2012, the K Party received a support level of 1.4%, out-ranking the more established New Progressive Party.[7] Analysts have nonetheless raised questions over the ability of the party to secure seats, even if sitting Assembly members do defect.[8]
Korea Vision Party 국민생각 | |
---|---|
President | Park Se-il |
Founded | February 27, 2012 |
Dissolved | April 12, 2012 |
Merged into | Advancement Unification Party[1] |
Headquarters | 14-3 Yeoeuido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul |
Ideology | Reformative conservatism[2][3] |
Political position | Center-right[3] |
International affiliation | None |
Colors | Orange, white, blue |
Korean name | |
Hangul | 국민생각 |
---|---|
Hanja | |
Revised Romanization | Gungmin Saenggak |
McCune–Reischauer | Kungmin Saenggak |
The party has attempted to court defecting members of the larger Saenuri Party in the run-up to the 2012 Assembly elections,[8] with a particular focus on loyalists of Lee Myung-bak who have been alienated by the rise of Park Geun-hye.[9] Commentators have speculated that pro-Lee lawmakers such as Lee Jae-oh may defect to the K Party en masse,[10] and on March 9, 2012, the former Saenuri Party politician Jeon Yeo-ok defected to the K Party and became its first lawmaker.[11]
References
- http://www.viewsnnews.com/article?q=86766
- 새누리 보수연대 고심 신당·선진당과 물밑대화. Hankyoreh, 12 February 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2012. (in Korean)
- Center-rightists challenge Saenuri party. Korea Times, 13 February 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
- Conservative group splits off to launch ‘K Party’, Korea Joongang Daily, 14 February 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
- Destructive division in conservative camp. Donga Ilbo, 24 February 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
- New centrist party takes shape before April polls. Korea Times, 13 February 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
- South Korean conservatives show renewed strength ahead of April elections. Asian Correspondent, 28 February 2012. Retrieved 6 March 2012.
- Unselected lawmakers threaten to desert. Korea Times, 6 March 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
- Saenuri mixes up candidates with a few big surprises. Korea Joongang Daily, 6 March 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
- Pro-Lee faction leader blasts nominations. Korea Herald, 8 March 2012. Retrieved 9 March 2012.
- Rep. Chun leaves Saenuri for K Party. Korea Herald, 9 March 2012. Retrieved 9 March 2012.