By Jung Sung-ki
Staff Reporter
Lee Hoi-chang's controversial third bid to enter Cheong Wa Dae came to nothing Wednesday, slashing the ultraconservative politician's political clout in the future.
``I failed to achieve my dream (of becoming president). I humbly accepts the people's choice,'' Lee told a news conference in Seoul. ``But my journey is not finished. I'll go my way whatever hardships and difficulties may come.''
His remarks were construed as an intention to continue in politics by creating a new party ahead of the National Assembly elections in April, political observers said.
However, the result of the presidential election is likely to deal a fatal blow to Lee's hope to revive his political influence, they said.
After joining the presidential race in early November, the former Supreme Court judge was once considered a threat to frontrunner Lee Myung-bak of the main opposition Grand National Party (GNP), placing second in most opinion polls with some 20 percent.
But he was heavily dependent on a financial fraud case involving a former business partner of Lee Myung-bak. The former judge pledged a ``genuine'' conservative platform including a tougher policy toward North Korea.
He often called the former Seoul mayor an ``unstable candidate'' not qualified to become the head of state.
The former GNP leader, however, failed to garner enough conservative votes to turn the tide of the race in Wednesday's polls.
Pollsters said conservative voters in favor of Lee Hoi-chang appeared to change their mind at the last minute to support Lee Myung-bak, the stronger conservative candidate, as they were eager to see the comeback of the GNP in power after 10 years.
``People's desire to change the government seemed to eclipse Lee Myung-bak's ethical issue,'' an official of Lee's camp said.
Meanwhile, CEO-turned-politician Moon Kook-hyun of the Create Korea Party also failed to take the center stage of politics. His popularity once soared to 10 percent.
``I'd like to express my heartfelt thanks to people for supporting me and my policies based on new values, politics and economy to open a new era,'' said Moon.
Candidate Rhee In-je of the Democratic Party also accepted the results.
``I tried to do my best to win the hearts of the people, but failed,'' Rhee said. ``The people's sovereign power is sacred and should be respected. I hope the President-elect will do a successful job for our nation and people.''
Progressive candidate Kwon Young-ghil of the Democratic Labor Party said he accepted the outcome in a humble manner.