A Korean version of the Pirate Party could be established within the Democratic United Party.

Pirate parties mainly concern themselves with patent and copyright laws, freedom of information and internet-related policies.

Lee Seung-hwan, a member of an online activist group working for freedom of expression within cyber space, plans to apply for DUP’s proportional representative plan for those aged between 25 and 35.

While the plan is not directly connected to the establishment of a Pirate Party within the DUP, forming a similar organ within the party has come up in the past.

In the run up to the DUP’s leadership race, former secretary-general of the Korean Young Men’s Christian Association Lee Hak-young said that setting up a Pirate Party within the DUP would be one of his priorities if he was elected the new party’s chairman. Lee eventually lost the leadership race to Han Myeong-sook.

In an interview with a local news agency, Lee said that he plans to seek a place among the DUP lawmakers through the newly introduced scheme.

Lee said that cyberspace is highly important, and that the repression of freedom of expression under the current administration needs to stop.

He also said that the established political parties have not concerned themselves with internet culture, and that he will use half of his salary for supporting the online group and other non-governmental organizations if he gains a seat in the National Assembly.

The plan for giving a number of proportional representatives’ posts to those in younger age groups was introduced as part of the DUP’s efforts to attract younger voters. Those applying under the program will be put through an open audition-like selection processes. The party plans to select two male and female candidates and place them in positions favorable for selection as proportional representatives.

At the close of the initial round of applications, 328 people applied, falling far short of the 500 applications the party had expected.

The first Pirate Party was established in Sweden 2006. Soon after, Pirate Parties were established in and outside Europe. The number of countries where a Pirate Party exists or discussions for founding one is underway stands at more than 40.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)