Grand National Party
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Grand National Party
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| Leader | Kang Jae-sup |
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| Founded | 1990 |
| Headquarters | Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul |
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| Ideology | Conservatism, right wing |
| International affiliation | International Democrat Union |
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| Website www.hannara.or.kr |
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The Grand National Party is a conservative-leaning political party in South Korea. Its Korean name, Hannara, may be translated either as "Grand Nation" or "One Nation," due to the double meaning of han.
The ruling GNP holds majority in the 18th Assembly, 2008-2012.
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[edit] History
The party was formed in 1990, when several old right-wing parties--most notably the Democratic Justice Party--merged to form the Democratic Liberal Party (Minju Jayudang). It was renamed to the New Korea Party (Sinhangukdang) in 1995, and then became the Grand National Party in November 1997 following its merger with the smaller Democratic Party.
Its opponents tried to discredit it by linking it to old right-wing parties dating back to the dictatorships in the 1960s and '70s. Considering the dramatic changes in political climate that have taken place in South Korea since then, these parties have been severely curtailed hence the formation of a new coalition.
Following the 2000 parliamentary elections it was the single largest political party, with 54% of the vote and 147 seats out of 271. However, its former leader Lee Hoi-chang lost twice in the presidential election (in 1997 and 2002) following a series of scandals and accusations.
The party was defeated in the parliamentary election in 2004 following the impeachment of President Roh, gaining only 121 seats out of 299. The defeat reflected the public disapproval of the impeachment which was steered by the party. It was the first time in its history that the party or its predecessors had not won the most seats. It gained back six seats in by-elections, bringing it to 127 seats as of October 28, 2005.
[edit] Current status
On December 19, 2007, the GNP's candidate Lee Myung-bak won the presidential election[1] with 48.7% of the vote.
On April 2008 general election, GNP secured majority of 153 seats out of 299. Now GNP seized power in the administration and the parliament as well as most local governments.
The Grand National Party currently enjoys nearly half of the support by the Korean public, ranging from business leaders and affluent youth to the elderly. Its support is low only in the Jeolla province, which has for nearly 50 years supported Kim Dae-jung, a well-known progressive politician born in that province who also served as President of South Korea (Feb 1998-2002).
The makeup of the Grand National Party members at present is diverse in provincial origin and political thought. Former party head and 2007 presidential candidate Park Geun-hye is the daughter of former Dictator-President Park Chung-hee who ruled from 1963 to 1979. Although Representative Won Hee-ryeong and Hong Jun-pyo runs for the party primary as a reform candidate, and former Seoul mayor and their official presidential candidate Lee Myung-bak gains more support (about 40%) from the Korean public, these types of family connections are viewed by many as evidence of continued domination of the party by the old elite.
[edit] Policy
The GNP supports free trade and limited entrepreneurship, expanded support and alliance with the large chaebols, neoliberal economic policies, and lower taxes. The GNP favours maintaining strong ties with the United States, Japan, and other historical alliances, as well as distancing South Korea from engaging Pyongyang.
The party's conservative, pro-American stance often makes it the target of hyperbolic criticism by North Korea's state-controlled media.
[edit] See also
- Politics of South Korea
- List of political parties in South Korea
- List of political parties
- List of Korea-related topics
- Uri Party
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