Let's face it. Politicians humble themselves when they want a post. But once the mission is accomplished, they tend to lose touch with ordinary people who voted for him, while they hang out with those who are powerful. New Premier Chung Un-chan wants to be different.

On Saturday morning, Chung went out on a hiking with somewhat unusual companions. They were not owners of business conglomerates. They were not lawmakers from the National Assembly. They were not folks who commute to Cheong Wa Dae, the presidential office. They were people who run small and medium-sized business establishments.

"This is the first time that I had my breakfast at the premier's residence and went hiking with him," said Kim Ki-moon, who represented the group. "It's a great encouragement for the premier to spare time for people like us," he said in a trail in Mt. Gwanak, southern Seoul.

In South Korea, 99 percent of the registered companies are small and medium-scale companies and 88 percent of the work force is employed by them. However, in a society, which is highly stratified along the income line and where elitism is the dominant social discourse, these majorities' voices often failed to earn the adequate attention from the public servants.

"Today, I chose the easiest hiking course because I suppose there are those who are not used to hiking. And I want everyone here to enjoy it," said Chung.

During the 5km-walk, Chung also used the short break time to drink ``makgeolli,'' the pale white drink, favored by low-income people for its affordable price.

After many shots of "cheers!" were exchanged between Chung and the group, Chung said he would work hard to safeguard the livelihood of the "common people."

"The term 'common people includes small and medium-sized companies, the self-employed, low-income people, residents in poverty region and even those who are lagged behind from the fierce social completion.

"I will work for the common people and try to improve their livelihoods," Yonhap cited him as pledging.