By Kim Sue-young
Staff Reporter
Independent Moon Kook-hyun has emerged as a substitute presidential candidate for the United New Democratic Party (UNDP) as it is suffering from internal feuding over illicit campaigns.
Moon, the former CEO of staple product maker Yuhan-Kimberly, is known for his image of a corruption-free business leader thanks to his stable management of the company.
In some opinion polls, his support exceeded that of UNDP presidential contender Lee Hae-chan who is allegedly backed up by President Roh Moo-hyun.
Some UNDP officials said the party is considering picking a sole candidate from among its presidential nominees to be announced on Oct. 15 and the independent runner.
However, Moon, who has kept his distance from political parties, did not give a clear-cut answer to the rumors regarding him being chosen as a sole candidate.
``I believe what people want is to oust politicians who count on nepotism and are involved in corruption,'' he told reporters. ``I can't go with others right now because I have a different vision and values.''
He criticized the crippled nomination race of the UNDP, saying it was disappointing people.
He added he could discuss the issue after early November when he is scheduled to launch his own party.
Moon is gearing up to launch a new party by Nov. 4.
``I will invite some experts and leaders of civic organizations first and pump up support to 20 or 30 percent,'' he said.
But he said he will allow politicians to join his party after he achieves his initial goals.
Members of Moon's camp have been holding meetings with politicians such as Reps. Choi Jae-cheon and Kim Tae-hong who are Roh loyalists.
An aide to Moon said some pro-Roh lawmakers were considering supporting the former CEO ahead of the Dec. 19 presidential election.
Moon said he is confident that he will win the presidential election, claiming the public know who should lead the nation.
He seemingly has more support than former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan among the public as well as UNDP members.
According to the Dong-a Ilbo newspaper, Moon placed fourth in its survey conducted last week, garnering support of 5.5 percent.
He was ahead of Lee who received 3.7 percent, while trailing UNDP frontrunner Chung Dong-young and Sohn Hak-kyu with 10.5 percent and 6.3 percent, respectively.
Presidential nominee Lee Myung-bak of the main opposition Grand National Party (GNP) continued to lead the race with 53.3 percent.