Former president to address criticism in memoir

By Kang Seung-woo

Lee Myung-bak

Former President Lee Myung-bak plans to publish a memoir about his presidency early next year amid growing criticism of his four-river project.

Lee, the nation’s 10th president who served from 2008 to 2013, began to write the book in May last year, and it is expected to be released in January. The 900-page memoir currently has no title.

The book will cover his achievements during his five-year tenure such as Korea’s free trade agreements with the United States and the European Union, the hosting of the G-20 and Nuclear Security summits as well as green growth projects, one of his trademark policies, according to his aides.

The initiative called for reducing Korea’s dependence on fossil fuels and promoting the development of alternative energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and other technologies that enhance energy efficiency.

In addition, Lee is expected to refer to his currently beleaguered high-stakes projects _ the four-river restoration work and the so-called “resource diplomacy” to secure energy resources overseas _ in the memoir.

The 22 trillion won refurbishment program was aimed at securing water resources, enhancing water quality and controlling floods and droughts, but it has been at the center of controversy over allegations of shoddy construction, irreversible environmental damage and collusion in the bidding process for construction contracts.

The Lee administration has also been accused of spending tens of billions of dollars on various natural resources development projects overseas with few results.

However, the memoir is not likely to include chapters on President Park Geun-hye, Lee’s successor, and the opposition parties.

“Lee is writing the memoir to help his successors administer state affairs without a hitch,” an aide said.

Lee, a former Hyundai CEO and Seoul mayor, has written several memoirs including, “The Uncharted Path: The Autobiography of Lee Myung-Bak,” which was released in 2011.

Separately, Lee plans to meet with former and current lawmakers who were involved in his presidential campaign on his birthday, Dec. 19, which coincides with his election victory and his wedding anniversary.