The 21st century is often called the digital age. Digital technology has already revolutionized the mass media and is currently transforming even our lifestyle and mindset. We are in fact standing on the crossroads of human civilization.

Politics is no exception to this ongoing transformation. Internet users and online opinions are changing political power. Characterized by democracy, two-way communication, transparency, directness and immediacy, the Internet brought politics deep into our daily lives.

Korea’s 16th presidential election in December 2002 categorically demonstrated the power of digital technology. The Grand National Party, where I belong, failed to win in the seemingly undefeatable presidential election, and one of the major causes of our defeat was the failure to gear up for the digital age.

We overlooked the power of the new media represented by the Internet. By allowing individuals to galvanize public opinion and supporters to come together on their own, the Internet, in effect, disarmed the conventional media and political party organizations.

Learning lessons from this failure, I am in the process of transforming the Grand National Party into a digital political party. This is an unprecedented attempt never tried anywhere else. The formation of the digital political party is the ultimate aim set up by GNP Chairperson Park Geun-Hye, as well as our pledge to GNP party members.

The digital political party implies, in a word, a political party that engages in political activities in the realm of the Internet. Anyone can discuss and exchange ideas on any issue from anywhere, anytime. Party members’ reaction to a policy can be assessed immediately and the party leadership and candidates for party offices may be elected online.

There are, of course, risks. Public opinion can be distorted and rash conclusions be made.

However, the core value of the digital age is “exchange and co-existence,” These are the values we believe in. It is my belief that all the prejudice and bias distorting this world comes from miscommunication. Now all political parties should ponder about the new policy direction and their roles suitable for the new digital era.

In this regard, I propose the establishment of “the Joint Network of Asian Political Parties for Peace and Prosperity” for flawless communication and exchange of information among Asian political parties. The founding of this joint network may be facilitated if all Asian political parties created a web site and posted information regarding respective parties in their own language or in English.

Furthermore, this site may serve as a venue for launching the Joint Exploration Team of Asian History, comprised of party delegates and expert groups from Asian countries, who would tour historical sites in Asia and promote understanding of the uniqueness and characteristics of each nation. If agreed by the delegates, Korea is willing to undertake technical provisions.

The 21st century marked by digital technology is a portal to a more developed future with strengthened mutual exchanges and cooperation, as the theme of this conference suggests.

My proposal for “the Joint Network of Asian Political Parties for Peace and Prosperity” would undoubtedly serve as a channel for each Asian nation to seek the path of co-existence in the digital age.