Kim's Trip For Nobel Defended

Presidential spokesman Park Joon-young expressed regret Tuesday that some people are calling for President Kim Dae-jung to skip the Dec. 10 award ceremony to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway.

"His attendance at the ceremony will only enhance, not erode, Korea's national image," said Mr. Park, who is accompanying the president on his tour of Southeast Asia.

He was responding to a statement issued by the United Liberal Democrats, a minor party, that the president should not go to Norway but stay at home in order to focus on domestic concerns.

"In the global age we need to have the wisdom to see the world, not just the peninsula," Mr. Park said.

Presidential aides pointed out that the president has attracted more foreign investment in the past two years than his predecessors did in four decades.

"We live in an era where the image of a country and its leader is paramount," the aide said.