AP News, August 21st, 2007
A hard-charging businessman known as "The Bulldozer" became the presidential candidate of the conservative opposition Monday, cementing his position as front-runner to replace President Roh Moo-hyun.
National opinion polls already show former Hyundai CEO and Seoul Mayor Lee Myung-bak beating liberals aligned with Roh, whose popularity has slumped amid a perception he has bungled handling of the economy.
Conservatives also have criticized Roh's following the "sunshine policy" of fostering warmer ties with North Korea, downplaying differences and providing aid.
The conservatives have called for more conditions to be placed on relations with the North, which has only recently begun scaling back its nuclear weapons program.
Both Roh and the North share the goal of keeping Lee's Grand National Party from the president's office, with the party a regular target of Pyongyang's propaganda that openly calls on South Koreans not to give it their votes.
Lee, 65, is viewed as a get-the-job-done businessman, having spent 15 years at the helm of various companies in the Hyundai Group where he earned his nickname for his ability to complete projects despite resistance.
While Seoul mayor from 2002-2006, he pushed through an ambitious plan to rejuvenate downtown and uncover a long-hidden stream to create a new cultural oasis in the capital.
His campaign has encountered hitches, however, as he has come under suspicion for alleged real estate speculation and other irregularities that led him to amass a $34.8 million fortune.
For his presidential platform, Lee has championed the building of a "Grand Canal" down the peninsula to link Seoul with the port city of Busan, lowering transport costs and creating a new tourist attraction.
He beat Park Geun-hye, the daughter of a former military ruler, by 81,084 to 78,632 votes.
"The GNP and I will hold hands with all who wish to join in our goals to achieve regime change and build a world-leading country," Lee said to the cheers of supporters chanting his name at a Seoul auditorium where the party's national convention was held. "We will regain the government. We will start a new Korea."
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On the Web:
Lee Myung-bak campaign site: http://english.mbplaza.net/default/main/
