People Power Party Seeks Name Change, but "Grand National Party" Name Off Limits

Both "Grand National Party" and "Saenuri Party" Are Already Registered Parties
Article 41 of the Political Parties Act Prohibits Use of Similar Names

The People Power Party has begun the process of changing its party name for the first time in about five and a half years, but it appears unlikely that the names "Grand National Party" or "Saenuri Party" will be used. In particular, the Grand National Party is seen as a symbol of what is often called the golden era of conservative politics. Among the parties in the People Power Party's lineage, the Grand National Party is remembered as the most notable. The Grand National Party is associated with the victories in the 4th nationwide local elections in 2006 and the presidential election in 2007.

Whenever the issue of renaming the conservative party arises, some people mention the Grand National Party as one of the options. However, in reality, it seems difficult to reuse the name Grand National Party.

According to the National Election Commission on January 17, there are currently registered parties called the Grand National Party and the Saenuri Party. These are parties unrelated to the People Power Party, but as long as they exist, the People Power Party cannot revert to these names.

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

This is because Article 41 of the Political Parties Act prohibits the use of similar names. According to this law, not only is it forbidden to use the same name as a currently registered party, but it is also prohibited to use the name of a party that was previously dissolved by the Constitutional Court. As a result, the People Power Party cannot use the name "Grand National Party," which is considered its predecessor and the party's most successful era.

In addition to the Grand National Party and the Saenuri Party, there are other registered parties with names similar to the values emphasized by the People Power Party, such as "freedom" and "republic," including the Republican Party, Our Republican Party, Liberty Democratic Party, Liberty and Innovation, and Liberty Unification Party.

An official from the National Election Commission stated, "Duplicate registration with the same party name is not allowed. While partial overlap in names is possible, if the names are too similar and could confuse voters, registration may also be difficult."

However, if the People Power Party were to pursue a merger with the existing Grand National Party, it would open the possibility of using that name. Regarding this, an official from the National Election Commission said, "There are no specific regulations in the Political Parties Act restricting a name change after a merger."

The National Election Commission also explained that it is possible to use names that were previously used but are no longer in use, such as New Korea Party or United Future Party.

Meanwhile, the People Power Party is preparing to change its name ahead of the June 3 local elections. This is part of an effort to revamp its image and recover support after the 12·3 Martial Law and the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. The party plans to finalize its new name next month through a public contest.

If the party changes its name this time, it will mark the fifth name change in 15 years. In 1997, the New Korea Party and the Democratic Party merged to form the Grand National Party, followed by Saenuri Party in 2012, Liberty Korea Party in 2017, United Future Party in 2020, and then People Power Party in 2020.