Seoul: The embattled main opposition People Power Party (PPP) announced on Monday its decision to change its name next month, marking a strategic move to revamp its image ahead of the local elections scheduled in less than five months.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the rebranding effort is part of a broader set of reform measures introduced by PPP leader Jang Dong-hyeok. These measures were unveiled at a press conference last week, where Jang also publicly apologized for former President Yoon Suk Yeol's controversial martial law declaration. The PPP has faced significant turmoil following Yoon's unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law, which has prompted the party to reconsider its public image and leadership direction.

The decision to change the party's name was finalized during the party's supreme council meeting, with over 68 percent of members supporting the revision. This move is seen as a critical step in the PPP's efforts to distance itself from the martial law controversy and to present a renewed front to the electorate. The party intends to hold a public contest next month to select its new name, signaling a shift towards greater public engagement and transparency in its operations.

If the change is confirmed, the PPP's current name, which was adopted in early September 2020, will be retired after approximately five years. This will mark the conservative party's fifth name change, underscoring a history of rebranding efforts aimed at maintaining relevance and appealing to the evolving political landscape.