Rival Candidates Exchange Pleasantries on the Internet

Winds of change are blowing through the campaign leading up to the general elections, which has traditionally been mired by mudslinging and slandering.

"Representative Oh Sae-ong has fought for justice and political change since the 10th general election, despite intense persecution. I believe he sets a good example for all politicians."

"Representative Lee Sang-chul has proved to be a capable man in business and I beleive that he is an ideal candidate to lead the information and telecommunication industry."

These quotes, among others, are posted on the political website, Nobibiang, by parliamentary candidiates running in Kyonggi province. A visitor to the site applauds them, "There is finally something to be proud of in the election."

There are other politicians patting each other on the back on Posdaq, a website that provides information on politics and stocks. There are 21 posts in an open forum for incumbent representatives, from Kim Duk-ryung of the Grand National Party (GNP) to Jung Mong-jun, an independent.

Jung Dong-young of the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP) lauds Lee Sang-Hee of the GNP as "a paragon of politicians, regardless of party."

In response, Lee says of the MDP's Shin Nak-yun, "She is a generous, warm-hearted woman." Posdaq also provides short profiles on contributing politicians.

by Goh Soo-suk