By Kang Hyun-kyung
Staff Reporter
Former Grand National Party (GNP) Chairman Lee Hoi-chang triggered a backlash from all parties after announcing his third bid for presidency, Wednesday. They described his comeback as a shameful return.
The former chief justice said he would quit the GNP to run as an independent in the Dec. 19 presidential election.
``I decided to join the race again to save a country in peril,'' Lee told a news conference in Seoul. ``I am here to rescue free democracy whose principles have been seriously ruined by the two consecutive leftist regimes over the past 10 years.''
The 72-year-old, however, hinted that he could withdraw his presidential bid before the election if the people want him to do so.
He said GNP nominee Lee Myung-bak has failed to build a reliable image as a leader because the former Seoul mayor is allegedly implicated in irregularities regarding his wealth.
Lee Hoi-chang has become a lightening rod for criticism as he has joined the presidential race at the expense of his characterization as a man of integrity.
The hardcore conservative candidate poses a threat to GNP nominee Lee as the two will split the conservative vote.
Lee Myung-bak has kept silent on the former GNP leader's running for the presidency, adding that he will make efforts to talk with him.
GNP chairman Kang Jae-sup said Lee Hoi-chang is committing a foul play by reversing his commitment to retire from politics forever after he lost the 2002 presidential election.
``The former GNP leader always said politicians should do the right thing. Now I would like to offer him a piece of advice _ that it's time for him to do the right thing,'' Kang said.
Party spokeswoman Na Kyung-won said the elder Lee's candidacy cannot be justified under any circumstances.
Lee Hoi-chang also drew fire from the pro-government party nominee who is another victim of him joining the race.
United New Democratic Party (UNDP) candidate Chung Dong-young said that as a result of his bid, retroactive and progressive candidates are vying for the presidency in the Dec. 19 presidential election.
``I will fight against the hardcore conservatives who are trying to turn the clock back. I will rewrite history by defeating them,'' Chung said.
Recent polls show Chung placing third, following GNP nominee Lee Myung-bak and independent Lee Hoi-chang.
Chung, however, said he saw a glimpse of hope as the elder Lee's joining the race has ended the campaign landscape featuring Lee Myung-bak's overriding lead in polls.
A three-way race has just started and the winner will be decided during the six weeks to come before the election, he said.
UNDP lawmaker Choi Jae-cheon described Lee's return to politics as ``a hardcore conservative politician's shameful return.''
A spokesman of the Moon Kook-hyun camp said Lee Hoi-chang was someone suffering from ``untreatable presidential aspirant disease.''
A minor Democratic Party spokesman said that voters will judge whether his third bid was the right choice or not.
Prof. Hahm Sung-deuk of Korea University in Seoul told The Korea Times that Lee Hoi-chang's popularity will soon reach its ceiling.
The professor said the two core qualities of a strong background in the economy and personality will be the hallmarks of the winner in the Dec. 19 election.
``Former GNP chairman Lee has definitely strengths in personal qualities but he shows limits in his vision for a strong economy. Therefore, his popularity will reach a ceiling in the near future,'' said Hahm.