The ruling Grand National Party decided to change its official name next week in an attempt to fundamentally renew the party’s image prior to the April general elections.

This will be the first time for the right-wing party has changed its name since it began in 1997 through a party merger.

The party’s emergency leadership council agreed to the change Thursday through a majority vote.

The decision largely reflected the pledges of council leader Rep. Park Geun-hye.

“I am ready to adopt a new party name, should the members so request,” said Park last week.

Her move came amid efforts to compromise with reform-inclined lawmakers’ demands to disband the party and form a new one.

Park thereby denied the option of closing down the party but acknowledged that their name largely carries a negative image.

The ruling party has been grappling over falling poll numbers, especially after the series of scandals. The latest involves parliamentary speaker and former GNP leader Park Hee-tae, who is accused of offering cash to party members prior to a leadership election back in 2008.

The council also debated the suggestion to abolish the current chairperson and Supreme Council system, but the plan faltered as Park spoke against it.

“The abolition involves fundamental changes to the party’s system and requires more consideration,” said a spokesperson quoting Park.

“I understand the reformative voices but some plans need sufficient debate and should not be rushed.”

By Bae Hyun-jung (tellme@heraldcorp.com)