Pres. Pledges Corruption Crackdown After Elections

President Lee Myung-bak pledged Tuesday to crack down on corruption in education and provincial management and on the abuse of power after the local elections Wednesday.

“Following the local elections, the government will continue its effort to unearth and root out the three major types of corruption: corruption of education, corruption at the local level, and corruption involving the abuse of power. We must aggressively push for judicial reform, including reform of the prosecution and police,” he told a Cabinet meeting.

"For Korea to become an advanced nation, we must realize the advancement of systems in Korean society overall.”

He said, “For authorities to earn public trust, they must reflect on their deeds. Our society cannot advance forward through an outdated way of thinking,” adding, “We need to renew our commitment and think and examine what the people want now in a cool-headed manner.”

President Lee also said, “The second half of this year and next year will have virtually no elections (except by-elections), and it will be a time when the government can efficiently conduct state administration,” adding, “The related government ministries are requested to prepare and examine what achievements they will attain.”

"After Wednesday’s local elections, my administration will soon enter the second half of its term in office. Regardless of the election results, the government must redouble its efforts in state administration.”

koh@donga.com