Candidates split on economy, U.S.

More is known about the policies of Lee Hoi-chang, the main opposition Grand National Party presidential nominee, than is known about the policies of Roh Moo-hyun, the nominee of the governing Millennium Democratic Party.

During Mr. Lee's four years as opposition leader he was compelled to take clear policy stands. Mr. Roh has discussed his policies during the primaries, but because he is relatively unknown, politically, his positions on key issues are somewhat murky.

The economy is the issue over which the two candidates differ most. Mr. Lee is staunchly pro-business and "growth-oriented;" Mr. Roh seems to put a higher priority on wealth "distribution."

"Only when our economy grows, can we create jobs and have the tax base for welfare programs," Mr. Lee said in an interview in April.

Mr. Roh recently said, "We should distribute wealth through welfare programs and promote reasonable consumption, thereby creating jobs."

Both candidates say the viability of businesses should be determined by the market, but Mr. Lee proposes full privatization of industry; Mr. Roh favors "selective privatization."

Mr. Roh has said he would carry on with President Kim Dae-jung's sunshine policy toward North Korea. Mr. Lee favors what he calls "strategic reciprocity" and close cooperation on security and diplomacy with the United States.

Mr. Roh said in a statement recently he "respects" the need for an alliance with Washington. But he added that the relationship to this point has been too one-sided, with America dictating its terms to Seoul and leaders here generally acquiescing. He said he would like to see a more equitable exchange between the two allies.

by Kim Sung-tak