Uri Party

The Uri Party (Korean: 우리당, romanized: Uri Dang, literally "Our Party"), officially the Open Uri Party (Korean: 열린우리당, romanized: Yeollin Uri Dang), was a liberal political party in South Korea. It was formed in November 2003 by supporters of then-President Roh Moo-hyun.

The party aimed to represent a new generation of Korean voters and advocated for political reform, decentralization of power, and a more balanced approach to foreign policy, particularly regarding North Korea and the United States. It positioned itself as a center-left party, emphasizing social justice and economic equality.

The Uri Party held a majority in the National Assembly from 2004 to 2007 following a landslide victory in the 2004 legislative elections. However, its popularity declined significantly due to internal divisions, policy failures, and scandals.

In 2007, the Uri Party dissolved and its members joined or formed other political parties, including the United New Democratic Party, later known as the Democratic Party. The fragmentation of the Uri Party marked a significant shift in South Korean politics, leading to a realignment of political forces. While the Uri Party itself no longer exists, its legacy continues to influence South Korean political discourse and the platforms of subsequent liberal parties. Key figures associated with the Uri Party included President Roh Moo-hyun, Chung Dong-young, and Kim Geun-tae.