Open Democratic Party


The Open Democratic Party is a liberal political party in South Korea formed on 8 March 2020.

History

On 28 February 2020, Chung Bong-ju, a former Democratic MP, announced his intention to form a new party. He had initially launched his bid to run for Seoul Gangseo 1st constituency for 2020 election under the Democratic banner but was disqualified by the party due to controversies including sexual harassment. He, however, declared to not run for the election.
Lee Keun-shik, the leader of the group, harshly criticised the United Future Party for establishing its satellite party, the Future Korea Party, in order to overcome the new electoral law granting proportional seats. He denounced the UFP's action as "immoral" while emphasising they will stop the UFP-FKP duo to win the election.
Sohn Hye-won, an independent MP who had quit the Democratic Party, announced they would join this party.
On 8 March 2020, the party was officially formed and elected Lee Keun-shik as its President.
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. On 12 May, Choi Kang-wook was elected the new President of the party.

Political positions

The party has criticised the Democratic Party for adopting a more conservative approach in recent years. However, Sohn Hye-won said that the party will welcome both conservatives and progressives should they wish to join.

Election results

General elections