Seoul mayor joins main opposition party

SEOUL, Feb. 23 (Yonhap) -- Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon joined the main opposition Democratic United Party (DUP) on Thursday, a decision that could boost the liberals' chances in April's general elections. The lawyer-turned-activist, who was not previously affiliated with any political party, was elected mayor in a by-election last October, with the backing of a broad liberal alliance against high-profile ruling party rival Na Kyung-won. "Our goal in 2012 is no different from what we strove to achieve through the by-election for Seoul mayor," Park said prior to an accession ceremony. "The public will change parliament, and the public will change the president." He will formally sign up as a member of the party later in the day. He also called on the main opposition party to seek constant change, while vowing to fully serve in his job as mayor. "The DUP should transform itself first. We have yet to win. I will strive to support the party to be a spearhead of national unity and waves of change," he said. "The authorized power in real terms is meant to revive the economy and design the happiness of the public." His decision to join the DUP is expected to aid its efforts to present a united liberal front with minor parties to beat their conservative rivals in the April vote. (END)