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http://www.theworldpress.com/press/worldpress/southkoreapress/herald.htm

Lee will have to come clean soon: Chung


United New Democratic Party presidential candidate Chung Dong-young yesterday warned his rival Lee Myung-bak of a serious public backlash once the truth about his financial improbity is revealed.
"Lies and fiction will not stand before the truth. Lee Myung-bak will realize that high approval ratings have no meaning," Chung said during a debate sponsored by six broadcasters from the Korea Broadcasting Journalists Club.

Chung's remark comes amid escalating suspicions surrounding the Grand National Party candidate Lee's connection to the now-defunct investment firm BBK. The company was headed by the frontrunner's business partner, Kim Kyung-jun, who is under investigation for stock price manipulation and embezzlement.

"The people of Korea have the right to have a leader who has a clean conscience," Chung said. "How can such a dishonest candidate suspected of real estate speculation and violating the election law head the nation?"

Chung claimed that there was "no way" Kim could have solely planned and conducted the stock manipulation, as Lee insists was the case.

"Lee is not a fool. But even if he was fooled by Kim as he claims, he is only saying that a fool is trying to become the nation's leader," he said. "Lee knows the truth better than anyone. He must fully cooperate with any investigation, and take rightful responsibility."

Chung spurned the GNP's assertion that the pro-government camp was trying to reprise the so-called Kim Dae-up case.




"The case is being investigated by the legislative body. Lee and his party should not be blaming anyone else for raising rightful suspicions," he said. "The GNP should not dare threaten the prosecution with the past."

Kim Dae-up, a military recruiter, claimed during the 2002 election that GNP candidate Lee Hoi-chang bribed officials to help his sons dodge mandatory military service. Kim was later convicted of making false accusations, but only after the GNP lost the presidency.

Chung stressed that the current approval ratings do not have much meaning.

"It is the result of the Dec. 19 poll that truly matters," he said. "The ratings will begin to climb once the public realizes that I can bring the changes they desire."

The GNP's Lee is currently leading the race with an average of 40 percent in the approval ratings, followed by senior politician Lee Hoi-chang, with about 20, and Chung with 10 percent.

Chung has called for a pan-liberal union to achieve victory.

"The situation was worse 10 years and five years ago," he said. "As the consequences will depend on our own faith, we must focus on getting rid of the internal defeatism and doubts. That is more important than combating Lee."

Chung acknowledged some of the current government's flaws, while striving to distance himself from President Roh Moo-hyun.

"I must admit that the imbalance of wealth has become worse under the current government, with more people complaining about their low income," he said. "Although President Roh has many merits, he and I are very different."

Chung also reproached Roh for his earlier comment concerning Jeolla politicians: "The president said something he should not have said."

In a press conference earlier this month, Roh said that it was "difficult to conduct politics with inflexible Honam (Jeolla) lawmakers," and criticized them for seeking an alliance based on regional unity.

Roh has been against the UNDP's move to merge with the minor Democratic Party. He recently reiterated his belief that competition among the liberal forces was crucial regarding the Jeolla region.

Chung served as the unification minister under the Roh government, and had been one of his closest allies while he was the chairman of the former Uri Party. But he became the strongest liberal candidate after he left the party, and has done his best to distance himself from the unpopular president.


By Shin Hae-in


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2007.11.21

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