Political Standoff Deepens over Exoneration of GNP Candidate

The DA’s office discharged its allegations against Grand National Party (GNP) presidential candidate Lee Myung-bak arising out of the stock price manipulation and embezzlement case known as the BBK scandal. The official end of the probe, however, has triggered a new standoff among politicians. Candidate Lee said Wednesday, “It’s better late than never. Now, the world knows who has been telling the truth. We GNP members should and will make more efforts to listen to the citizens and their needs.”

Right after the DA’s announcement, former United Liberal Democratic Party leader Kim Jong-pil told GNP leader Kang Jae-seop over the phone, “Everything has come back to where things should be. I will do whatever I can to help win the [presidential] election.” According to sources, former leader Kim reportedly holds a press conference today to announce his endorsement and support for GNP candidate Lee.

United New Democratic candidate Chung Dong-young alleged, “The DA’s investigation killed our common sense. According to it, there is no substance called Lee Myung-bak.”

Independent candidate Lee Hoi-chang canceled his entire campaign schedule and took to the street instead on Wednesday. He said, “I was surprised. I don’t think the investigation was fair.”

Creative Korea Party candidate Moon offered Lee Hoi-chang and Chung a joint defense team to defend the con artist Chris Kim, while Democratic Labor party candidate Kwon Young-ghil staged a sit-in in front of the DA’s office on the same day.

cij1999@donga.com