BASEBALLPARK

Front-runner Lee Myung-bak: Can He Be Caught? 
--------------------------------------------- 
 
¢Ò2.  (C) Lee Myung-bak, former Hyundai Construction CEO, 
National Assemblyman and Seoul Mayor, is riding high with his 
one-point focus on the economy.  He has pledged to boost 
Korea's economic growth to 7 percent through various economic 
projects.  His signature plan is to build a canal from Busan 
to Seoul to connect the country much as Park Chung-hee did 
with the Busan to Seoul highway, pioneered in the 1960s. 
Lee's support is strongest among Seoul voters due to hugely 
successful term as Seoul Mayor that ended in June 2006. 
During his term, he revitalized central Seoul by uncovering 
Chong Gye stream, building parks and re-organizing the bus 
system.  Lee, whose nickname is "Bulldozer," projects the 
image that he can get things done and lift Korea into a new 
era of prosperity.  According to the December 26-27, 2006 
Hankyoreh-Research Plus poll, driving force was the most 
important qualification sought in the next president in which 
Lee scored the highest.  Lee plans to set-up his official 
campaign camp in early February and go on a regional bus tour 
from mid-January to early February.  In all polls conducted 
by local major newspapers and networks at the end of 2006, at 
least 40% of respondents supported Lee to be president. 
 
¢Ò3.  (C) The biggest challenge for Lee is to maintain his 
large, early lead, especially as pundits claim that part of 
his high poll results is due to support from previous Roh 
supporters who are disenchanted by the president and the Uri 
party.  Hence, some predict once a decision is made on the 
future of the Uri party and a viable candidate appears, Lee 
will likely lose these votes.  Lee's detractors also point 
out consistently that he must have scandals arising from his 
time as Seoul Mayor and Hyundai CEO that could challenge his 
road to victory.  Lee favors open primaries and is in strong 
position to win the GNP nomination if the primaries are held 
within the coming months.