Open Democratic Party
The Open Democratic Party (Korean: 열린민주당) is a liberal political party in South Korea formed on 8 March 2020.
Open Democratic Party 열린민주당 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Leader | Choi Kang-wook |
| Floor Leader | Kim Jin-ae |
| Founded | 8 March 2020 |
| Split from | Democratic Party of Korea |
| Headquarters | Cheongdam Building, Dosan-daero, Gangnam, Seoul |
| Ideology | Liberalism Social liberalism |
| Political position | Centre to centre-left |
| Colours | Yellow Blue |
| Seats in the National Assembly | 3 / 300 |
| Municipal mayor and Gubernatorial | 0 / 17 |
| Municipal Mayors | 0 / 226 |
| Seats within local government | 0 / 2,926 |
| Website | |
| openminjoo | |
History
On 28 February 2020, Chung Bong-ju, a former Democratic MP, announced his intention to form a new party.[1] He had initially launched his bid to run for Seoul Gangseo 1st constituency for 2020 election under the Democratic banner[2] but was disqualified by the party due to controversies including sexual harassment.[3] He, however, declared to not run for the election.[1]
Lee Keun-shik, the leader of the group, harshly criticised the United Future Party (UFP) for establishing its satellite party, the Future Korea Party (FKP), in order to overcome the new electoral law granting proportional seats.[4] He denounced the UFP's action as "immoral"[4] while emphasising they will stop the UFP-FKP duo to win the election.[5]
Sohn Hye-won, an independent MP who had quit the Democratic Party, announced they would join this party.[6]
On 8 March 2020, the party was officially formed and elected Lee Keun-shik as its President.[7]
The party gained only 3 seats, much less than expectations. Lee resigned on 19 April in order to take a responsibility of the party's defeat.[8] On 12 May, Choi Kang-wook was elected the new President of the party.[9]
Political positions
The party criticises the Democratic Party for adopting more conservative approaches in recent years.[1] However, Sohn Hye-won mentioned that the party will welcome both conservatives and progressives should they wish to join.[10]
Election results
General elections
| Election | National Assembly | Government | President | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Seats won | |||
| 2020 | 1,512,763 | 5.4% | 3 / 300 |
Opposition | Lee Keun-shik |
References
- "정봉주, 비례정당 '열린민주당' 창당…"민주당 위성정당 아냐"". 28 February 2020. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
- "정봉주 "강서갑 출마…당 지도부와 설 전 만날 것"". 22 January 2020. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
- "부적격 판정 정봉주 "당이 가시밭길 걸을 수도" 무슨 의미?". 11 February 2020. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
- "정봉주, 비례 정당 '열린민주당' 창당 선언…"저는 21대 총선서 국회 들어가지 않겠다"". 28 February 2020. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
- "결국 진보비례정당 '열린민주당' 등장". 28 February 2020. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
- "손혜원, 정봉주와 손잡아…열린민주당 8일 창당". 6 March 2020. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
- "정봉주 주도 '열린민주당' 공식 출범…이근식 대표 추대". 8 March 2020. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
- "열린민주, 이근식·정봉주 사임…최강욱 비대위 체제". 19 April 2020. Retrieved 12 May 2020.
- "열린민주당 첫 당대표에 최강욱 당선자 선출". 12 May 2020. Retrieved 12 May 2020.
- "열린민주당, 보수쪽으로까지 정치 스펙트럼 '확장'". 7 March 2020. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
