The rise and fall of South Korea's conservative powerhouse

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: From a historic electoral defeat in 2020 to the presidency in 2022, the People Power Party has navigated a volatile political landscape. Through mergers, name changes, and intense leadership battles, this conservative force remains the dominant rival to the Democratic Party in South Korea.

The People Power Party (PPP) is a right-wing populist party and the second-largest force in South Korea's National Assembly. The party's current identity was established on 31 August 2020, following a period of significant restructuring. It was originally founded on 17 February 2020 as the United Future Party (UFP) through a merger of the Liberty Korea Party, the New Conservative Party, and Onward for Future 4.0, along with several minor organizations.

The party's journey has been marked by extreme fluctuations in influence. In the 2020 legislative elections, the UFP alliance suffered its worst conservative result since 1960, winning only 103 of the 300 seats in the National Assembly. However, momentum shifted in 2021, with the party achieving success in by-elections and gaining significant public support. This surge peaked during the 2022 presidential election; Yoon Suk Yeol of the PPP secured the South Korean presidency, beating Lee Jae Myung by a slim 0.73% margin.

The PPP's platform is defined by economic liberalism, fiscal conservatism, and social conservatism. It maintains a hawkish stance toward North Korea and favors strengthening alliances with the United States and Japan, while remaining ambiguous regarding relations with China. The party has also been characterized by its opposition to communism and feminism. Despite its presidential victory, the party has faced internal and external challenges, including losing the 2024 legislative election and facing impeachment proceedings against Yoon following his declaration of martial law in December 2024.

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