A Web-based political party is to launch next month, aiming to represent youth voters on issues such as high college tuitions and bleak career prospects.

The new group, tentatively named the Youth Hope Plan Party, held a founding ceremony in Seoul on Sunday, with about 250 founding members. Its official launch is slated for March 11.

The members consist of young people and their “mentors,” including Woo Seok-hoon, a professor and author of the popular book “The 880,000-Won Generation,” which depicts the hardships faced by the younger generation.

Its launch has drawn keen attention from media and existing political parties ahead of two crucial elections this year because of its potential link to Ahn Cheol-soo, a software magnate turned university professor rumored to be harboring presidential ambitions.

Ahn, although he did not participate in the new party, is expected to influence it significantly, if he starts political activities as rumored.

“Young people, who were politically awakened during the Youth Concert, have resolved to create a new political party in order to tackle their issues in a more active way,” Kang Yeon-jae, its spokesperson, said.

Youth Concert is a series of lectures by Ahn and other prominent figures revered by young people. It aims tocombat a deepening political apathy among young people and inspire them to engage in social issues that affect their lives.

The party will decide its name, chairperson, policy platforms and candidates for the April 11 parliamentary election through online votes, the official said.

By Lee Sun-young (milaya@heraldcorp.com)