People Power Party to Change Name After 5 Years... Jang Donghyuk and Lee Junseok Reiterate Call for 'Special Prosecutor Alliance'

Party Name Change to Be Finalized in February After Public Contest

The People Power Party will change its name for the first time in over five years ahead of the 9th nationwide local elections scheduled for June 3.

Jeong Heeyong, Secretary-General of the People Power Party, announced on January 12 that a survey conducted among responsible party members from January 9 to 11 regarding the party name change showed 68.1% of respondents in favor. After holding a public contest for the new name and undergoing expert review, the party plans to finalize the change by February.

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on January 12, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

It has been about five years since the party changed its name from the United Future Party to the People Power Party in September 2020, and it appears the party will enter the nationwide elections under a new name. Secretary-General Jeong stated, "With the party name change as a starting point, we will steadfastly pursue Chairman Jang's vision for a winning transformation." Since the 2000s, the conservative party has changed its name several times, including Grand National Party, Saenuri Party, Liberty Korea Party, United Future Party, and People Power Party.

Meanwhile, Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, and Lee Junseok, leader of the Reform New Party, have urged Cho Kuk, leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, to join the "Joint Meeting of the Three Opposition Parties" to introduce a special prosecutor to investigate allegations of Democratic Party nomination funds and Unification Church bribery.

Yonhap News Agency

At the Supreme Council meeting that day, Chairman Jang said, "There are no conditions or other justifications needed for the passage of the special prosecutor bill," and added, "I once again urge Chairman Cho to join us." At the same meeting, Chairman Lee stated, "I ask Chairman Jang to allow the Cho Kuk Innovation Party some time to reconsider and determine its position regarding the special prosecutor," requesting understanding for the delay. Even if efforts to persuade Chairman Cho fail, the Reform New Party plans to pursue an alliance with the People Power Party. After the meeting, Chairman Lee told reporters, "Due to my overseas schedule, it seems I will be able to meet with Chairman Jang by Wednesday morning."

However, since the Reform New Party is making a complete break with the Yoon Again faction a precondition, most observers believe that the possibility of an electoral alliance at this stage is low. A senior official from the Reform New Party said in a phone call that day, "We are only discussing policy cooperation limited to the Unification Church special prosecutor, and it is too early to discuss an electoral alliance."