Young Leader Should Usher In New Era

The National Alliance Party 21 (NAP) held a launching rally at Chungmu Stadium in Daejeon, November 5, with about 10,000 party members attending and nominated Chung Mong-joon as the party’s presidential candidate and chairman.

In an acceptance speech, Rep. Chung said, "This new era requires a new leader with new political historical views. As we realized the dream of the Korean team going to the semifinals in the 2002 World Cup, we will realized the dream of a new Korea, say, political reform by winning the December presidential election.

He also suggested as policies the promotion of peaceful co-existence with North Korea, the consolidation of the 4-way diplomacy, the construction of an active Korean-style economic system, the relocation of conglomerate headquarters to the country and the establishment of an education committee including students’ parents and teachers.

Meanwhile, on the same day, Roh Moo-hyun, presidential nominee of the Millennium Democratic Party made an official written proposal to the NAP of fielding a single candidate between Mr. Roh and Mr. Chung. In response, the NAP decided to hold the party’s steering committee meeting on November 6 to discuss detailed ways about the issue.

Sung-Won Park swpark@donga.com