By Kang Hyun-kyung
Staff Reporter
The upcoming inter-Korean summit to be held between Oct. 2 and 4 is likely to have a dual impact on both liberals and conservatives, an expert said.
Prof. Nam Sung-wook of Korea University told The Korea Times that the summit factor will give an edge to the candidate enjoying solid support from Cheong Wa Dae in the primaries of the liberal United New Democratic Party (UNDP).
According to him, the same factor, however, will create a challenging environment to the conservative presidential nominee as he will be required to search for possible options that can steer the sweeping pro-peace atmosphere into his trademark economy-first.
Former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan is widely viewed as a candidate who has Roh's ear, while former Unification Minister Chung Dong-young has distanced himself from the incumbent president in the presidential campaign.
According to Nam, Lee is more likely to win the race than Chung for he gets solid support from the president.
His analysis was made, amid a growing number of experts predicting that the liberal camp primary will be a neck-and-neck race between Chung and Lee.
One might wonder why Sohn Hak-kyu, who has consistently been in first place in opinion polls, is not in the competition.
Rep. Chung Hyung-keun of the Grand National Party (GNP) offered an explanation to the question.
``There is a rumor that former President Kim Dae-jung withdrew his support from Sohn because his popularity did not move forward after Sohn failed to overcome his lethal weakness __ the previous party affiliation with the GNP,'' Chung continued.
``Speculations are running high to say that Lee Hae-chan will be the winner of the liberal party nomination on Oct. 15, shortly after the summit talk. Those who hold the view said Lee is the very one who enjoys solid support from three key stakeholders of the liberal camp __ former President Kim Dae-jung, incumbent President Roh Moo-hyun and Pyongyang.''
The political calculation came out after conservative presidential nominee Lee Myung-bak characterized the unique nature of the upcoming presidential election.
He said the presidential election will take the form of a choice between candidates supporting strong engagement with North Korea and representing conservative right wing interests.
The presidential nominee's comment sparked controversy among lawmakers of the liberal camp and he has been caught in the crossfire from liberals.
Prof. Nam said Lee's analysis makes sense to some extent.
``The political fallout of the South-North summit could be lingering for two months after the event until the presidential election day, and consequently will create a campaign environment featuring a choice between candidates supporting peace versus war.
``Accordingly, the presidential election is all about whether conservative party nominee Lee Myung-bak can successfully steer the hostile environment into one beneficial to his best interests. In this sense, the winning campaign depends on Lee's ability,'' he said.