Guide Note

The Grand National Party (GNP), also known as Hannara in Korean, is a conservative political party in South Korea. It is the party of current President Lee Myung-bak. The GNP won majority control of the South Korean legislature after the 2008 parliamentary election.

Fast Facts

1. Also known as: Korean name, "Hannara"
2. "Han" is a play on words, and can mean either "Grand Nation" or "One Nation"
3. Founded: 1990
4. Formed as a coalition of right-wing parties
5. Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
6. Current leader: Kang Jae-seop
7. Political position: Right-wing conservatism
8. Current majority party in National Assembly
9. Official party of current president, Lee Myung-bak

1. Lowering taxes
2. Free trade
3. Support for Business conglomerates #Strengthened ties with the United States and Japan
4. Avoiding involvement with North Korea

A series of scandals led to the impeachment of GNP-supported President Lee Hoi-chang in 2004. The party consequently lost control in the legislature. But it regained a majority of seats in the 2008 legislative elections. It now leads the minority party by 72 (out of the 299) seats.¹