The New Political Reform Party () was a South Korean political party founded on 25 February 1992, under the leadership of Park Chan-jong the representative of the Council for Political Reform.
History In June 1990, Park Chan-jong joined the Democratic Party (1990), founded by members of the Reunification Democratic Party who opposed Kim Young-sam's three-party merger, but left the party in September 1991 due to opposition to the leadership style of party president Lee Ki-taek. On 25 February 1992, he formed the Council for Political Reform alongside political newcomers and established the New Political Reform Party. Although the Council initially planned to participate in the founding of a party alongside Kim Dong-gil, Park proceeded to launch his own party independently after refusing to accept Kim's decision to merge with the Unification National Party.
In the 14th South Korean legislative election held on 24 March 1992, candidates ran in both single member districts (111 candidates: Seoul 28, Busan 5, Daegu 4, Incheon 4, Daejeon 3, Gyeonggi 15, Gangwon 9, North Chungcheong 7, South Chungcheong 10, North Jeolla 5, South Jeolla 5, North Gyeongsang 6, South Gyeongsang 10) and Proportional Representation list. However, in the district races, only candidate Park Chan-jong, running in the Seoul Seocho-gu Gap constituency, was elected, while all other candidates failed to win. Furthermore, in the constituency vote the party secured 369,044 votes (1.8% of the total), failing to win any proportional representation seats.
Park Chan-jong ran in South Korea's 14th presidential election, held on 18 December 1992, and finished in fourth place. However, the party faced limitations due to its heavy reliance on Park; it was eventually dissolved on 8 July 1994, upon merging with the Unification National Party, led by Kim Dong-gil, to form the New Democratic Party.
Election results
Presidential election
Year Election Candidate Votes Vote share Result Status 1992 14th Park Chan-jong 1,516,047 6.38% 4th Lost
National Assembly election
Year Election Constituency Proportional representation Total Seats won Vote share Seats won Vote share Seats won Vote share 1992 14th 1/237 0.42% 0/62 — 1/299 0.33% Logos
References