Lee Myung-bak Starts Remaking His Image

GNP presidential candidate Lee Myung-bak began his campaign to be seen as a global leader on August 28.

He met diplomats from four neighboring countries, including a Japanese diplomat, to share his opinions regarding major foreign affairs in order to expand his image as just an economic leader.

Lee met Japanese ambassador to Korea Shotaro Oshima, who will leave his post on August 29, and stated his opinions about issues between the two countries at the party office in Yeouido Seoul.

He said, “When the new government is established, the relationship between Japan and Korea will change and Korea should build a future-oriented relationship with Japan.” Lee also explained that “People in both nations are very close to each other. A problem is that politicians in both nations stick to their domestic politics.

Oshima gave Japanese china as a present, saying. “I am appreciated that you knowing the economy far better than normal people said that.”

Lee stressed party reconciliation in a lunch with GNP permanent adviser delegation at the 63 Building in Yeouido.

He said, “After the primary election, Cardinal Kim Soo-hwan came to me holding my hand and said “I didn’t even know you are that patient, and I will keep praying for you.”

This remark can be interpreted that the cardinal wants Lee to reconcile for the sake of the party as he endured all harsh attacks during the GNP primary season.

In response to the cardinal’s comment, GNP primary affairs committee leader Park Gwan-yong said, “I currently met U.S. Ambassador to Korea Alexander Vershbow and he said the U.S. should benchmark the process of GNP’s primary election.” Party chairman Kang Jae-seop added, “If other parties ask for a loan from the primary affairs committee, we would do that, but we cannot lend our candidate.”

Lee provoked a laugh by saying, “I envied floor leader Ahn Sang-soo and Policy Planning Committee chair Lee Han-goo, who declared their running for election as an independent on August 27. They got elected easily, and I was thinking why that was too hard for me.”

Meanwhile, the candidate planned to visit former GNP chairman Lee Hoi-chang, but the appointment was postponed because Lee Hoi-chang complained of an acute stomachache. On August 29, Lee planned to visit former presidents Jeon Du-hwan and Kim Dae-jung.

ddr@donga.com