Election Date: December 19, 2007

Abstract: At stake: President

At stake: President

Background

The republic of South Korea was born with an agreement made by the allied forces in Potsdam after World War II, in 1945. The Korean peninsula was divided in a northern part controlled by the Soviet Union, and a southern part controlled by American forces.

In 1948, Syngman Rhee became the country's first president after voters elected a National Assembly; a republican constitution was adopted, and the United Nations (UN) recognized the new republic as the legitimate government of Korea.

During the 1950-1953 Korean War, American troops and UN forces fought alongside soldiers from the south to defend South Korea from North Korean attacks supported by China and the Soviet Union. An armistice was signed on Jul. 27, 1953.

In 1960, Rhee resigned over criticism for his authoritarian style. A year later, Park Chung Hee seized power. His tenure focused moistly on economic growth.

In 1979, Park was assassinated by Kim Jae Kyu, head of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency. Political dissidents were then freed from prison by the new president, Choi Kyu Hah.

In 1993, Kim Yo'ng-sam became South Korea's first civilian president following 32 years of military rulers. The decade was marked by an economic crisis following mismanagement and corruption in the private and public sectors.

In 1996, the country became a member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). After the 1997 Asian financial crisis, South Korea recovered and emerged as one of the world's strongest economies.

In June 2000, a historic first North-South summit took place in North Korea's capital, Pyongyang, between the South's President Kim Tae-chung and the North's leader Kim Jong Il. Relations between the two countries have improved significantly since then, but remain tense. A formal peace treaty has never been signed, and a one-mile demilitarized zone still separates the two countries. Kim later won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in favour of peace and democracy.

A long-time political activist jailed briefly during the 1987 pro-democracy

demonstrations, Roh Moo-hyun won the December 2002 presidential election. His term was tarnished by a judicial investigation into the behaviour of personal aide Choi Do-sool, who allegedly accepted an illegal campaign contribution of almost $1 million U.S. from private firm SK Group. The Asian nation has a long history of political malfeasance, culminating in the "Slush Fund Scandal", which led to the imprisonment of former presidents Roh Tae-Woo and Chun Doo-Hwan.

Before his first year in office was over, Roh lost the support of the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP). A small segment of 42 former MDP lawmakers decided to stand by the president under the banner of the liberal-leaning Uri Party.

In March 2004, the conservative-leaning Grand National Party and the MDP submitted the first presidential impeachment motion in the country's history, seeking to unseat Roh after he breached electoral laws—that state civil servants should remain neutral in times of legislative elections—by expressing his support for the Uri party.

On Mar. 12, a total of 193 legislators agreed to initiate impeachment procedures against Roh. Prime minister Goh Kun took over as interim president. The matter was turned over to the country's Constitutional Court, where six of the existing nine judges had to rule against the president. The decision does not entail any criminal transgression.

Voting for the legislative elections took place on Apr. 15, 2004. Final figures put the Uri Party in control of 152 assembly seats—a slim majority—with the GNP in second place with 121. The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) became South Korea's third political force with 10 lawmakers in the Assembly, followed by the MDP with nine.

Click here for 2004 South Korea Election Tracker

On May 13, the Constitutional Court overturned the impeachment, effectively reinstating Roh as South Korea's president. In June, Roh nominated Lee Hai-chan for prime minister. Lee—a member of the Uri Party—officially took over the post on Jun. 30, after winning a 200-84 vote in the National Assembly.

In March 2006, Lee was forced to resign, after his opponents criticized him for playing golf during a railway worker's strike. He was replaced by Han Duck Soo. In April, Han Myeong-Sook became the first woman to serve as South Korea's prime minister.

2007 Presidential Election

The next presidential ballot is scheduled for Dec. 19. Incumbent Roh Moo-hyun is ineligible for a second term.

On Jan. 16, former prime minister Goh Kun ruled out a presidential run, declaring, "For about a year, I've tried my best to contribute to the politics of harmony and end time-consuming political disputes between parties, but I've realized I'm not capable enough to resolve the problems with Korean politics."

In January, Roh voiced his intention of proposing a constitutional amendment to alter term limits, saying, "The two-term presidency is expected to resolve a lot of drawbacks associated with the single-term presidency, which include the absence of policy consistency and continuity and the responsible management of state affairs." Roh has clearly stated he does not intend to use the legislation to seek a new term himself.

At the start of 2007, former Seoul mayor Lee Myung-bak of the Grand National Party (GNP) was regarded as the most popular prospective presidential candidate. Lee is against reforming the constitution and introducing re-election. Former GNP chairwoman Park Geun-hye is also considered as a possible candidate.

The list of potential contenders includes former Kyonggi governor Sohn Hak-kyu, former Uri Party chairman Chung Dong-young, former justice minister Kang Kum-sil, current prime minister Han Myeong-sook, Democratic Labour Party (DLP) member Kwon Young-ghil, and current Uri Party chairman Kim Geun-tae.

On Jan. 11, Lee refuted the president's argument that a constitutional reform is required, saying, "We are not at any critical juncture. We should concentrate on reviving our economy and can't waste lots of time discussing a constitutional amendment."

On Feb. 6, 23 members of the National Assembly quit the Uri Party, making the GNP the largest group in the legislature with 110 seats. The group—which includes former Uri floor leader Kim Han-gill and former chief policymaker Kang Bong-kyun—suggested the creation of a new political organization that will feature "reform-oriented political forces free from ideological disputes."

In March, former Kyonggi governor Sohn Hak-kyu announced he was leaving the GNP after 14 years to form his own political group, adding, "I've decided to break with outdated conservatism and an incompetent left and seek a new road for the new Republic of Korea. (...) I'm willing to sacrifice myself to organize a dream team for the country."

Roh questioned Sohn's motives, declaring, "It doesn't conform to the principles of democracy if a politician defects from his or her own party just because he or she sees a slim chance of winning a primary for a presidential candidacy. It is an act that shakes the root of democracy if a politician splits up, defects from, or joins a party to win the nomination for the presidential election."

On May 10, Lee Myung-bak officially launched his candidacy, saying, "I want to be the chief executive officer for the country, not its most powerful person. I also wish to become a president who faithfully performs his duty well."

In June, Lee pledged to make South Korea's economy the world's seventh-largest, adding, "Given that the world economy is enjoying two-digit growth, attaining 7.0 per cent growth (in South Korea) is not a tall order at all. If an investor-friendly environment is provided, 1.0 per cent to 1.5 per cent growth will be comfortably achieved. I even expect growth of more than 7.0 per cent."

On Jun. 7, the South Korean National Election Commission (NEC) ruled that Roh's recent comments against GNP presidential candidates violated election laws. NEC spokesman Yang Keum-suk declared: "It is difficult to see this case as pre-electioneering, but the commission makes it clear that the remarks violated his duty to keep neutrality as president, and has decided to send an official letter asking him to maintain neutrality and refrain from causing similar controversy in the future."

On Jul. 4, six pro-government candidates revealed they will all participate in a primary election and form a new party in order to counter the opposition's growing popularity. Sohn Hak-kyu—who defected from the GNP in March—made the announcement, saying, "Today is the day when we fasten the first button. Let us shake off small differences and go forward to the great sea of alliance."

On Jul. 13, it was revealed that a staff member of the nation's top intelligence agency had secretly accessed a classified list of Lee's real estate properties. Lee had previously accused the National Intelligence Service (NIS) of purportedly spreading the rumour that he made his personal fortune through land speculation.

GNP lawmaker and floor leader Kim Hyung-o said in a party meeting that the NIS should clarify the accusations or its allotment of funds could be on the line, adding, "No one will believe if it says there's no one behind this scheme. If it doesn't clearly come up with the truth, its domestic budget will be entirely slashed."

On Jul. 18, the GNP held a hearing in order to determine who the best candidate for the party is. Lee was asked about an ongoing investigation into purportedly illegal real estate transactions and responded: "I was too occupied with overseas business trips at the time to speculate on land or get involved in such transactions. (...) Why would I use other people's names to buy and sell land when I could've done that myself as a businessman? I didn't even think at the time I would enter politics later."

On Jul. 24, Lee said he is the best hope for GNP supporters, saying, "Frankly speaking, the administration will be changed only if I run in the presidential election. The Roh Moo-hyun government has attempted to prevent the favoured candidate of Daegu citizens from winning the GNP primary by all means."

An internal primary for GNP members took place on Aug. 19 to decide whether the party should back Lee or Park in the upcoming presidential election. A group of senior party officials has drafted a resolution that would force losing candidates to support the winning contender, in the hopes of ending a polarizing campaign that has seen Lee and Park publicly assail each other's reputation.

On Aug. 17, Lee Myung-bak acknowledged that the process has been difficult, declaring, "I have been attacked with various ill-founded allegations during the last six months. You voters helped me endure the tough times." Park Geun-hye said the GNP faces a choice between "a regressive candidate and a progressive one."

The winner of the GNP primary was announced on Aug. 20, after the votes of delegates, party members and citizens—along with the results of a public opinion poll of 6,000 voters—were tallied. Lee was declared as the winner with 49.6 per cent of the vote. Park finished second, with 48.1 per cent.

Lee accepted the nomination and called for unity within his party's ranks, saying, "I hope to join hands with our esteemed Park Geun-hye in bringing about a change in the next administration. It is time for all of us to come together." Park declared: "I humbly accept the results without contest. I will become a foot soldier in our efforts for a change."

Following Lee’s victory in the GNP primary, Uri Party defectors assembled the New Democratic Party (UNDP). Three politicians—former Uri Party chairman Chung Dong-young, former Kyonggi governor Sohn Hak-kyu and former prime minister Lee Hae-chan—will seek the nomination. The UNDP is set to choose its candidate on Oct. 15.

On Sept. 21, Sohn declared he would still seek the UNDP’s nomination, saying, “I’ve had many thoughts about what people expect from politics, what people want from me, and I reflected on myself as well. But I’m exasperated by the fact that old politics is recurring in the United New Democratic Party that has just started off with a banner of new politics, and worse than that, it is indulging the old politics without objection.”

A mid-September poll by Research Plus gave Lee the support of more than 56 per cent of respondents in the presidential election, with the UNDP hopefuls below the 10 per cent mark.

On Oct. 15, Chung Dong-young became the UNDP candidate, defeating former Kyonggi governor Sohn Hak-kyu and former prime minister Lee Hae-chan in a primary. Chung discussed his impending battle with Lee, saying, “Five years ago, the presidential election was a competition of new or old. Now, it is a competition for good or bad.”

Kim Kyung-joon, a former business partner of Lee’s who is accused of embezzlement and money laundering, is due to return to South Korea in mid-November. Kim has been in a United States jail since 2004 over an alleged case of stock manipulation worth $20 million U.S. Kim has claimed that Lee was involved in a major corruption scandal in an investment firm called BBK.

In November, Lee Hoi-chang—a two-time losing presidential contender from the GNP—launched his candidacy as an independent.

On Nov. 6, Park Hyung-joon, spokesman for Lee’s campaign, referred to Kim’s return to the country, saying, “We will watch out for Kim’s lies in case he tells any, and we will watch for exaggerations in the media. The Korean people will be told the truth of this case.”

On Nov. 19, as Kim was questioned by prosecutors, Lee said political rivals who suggest he was involved in Kim’s illegal activities “seem to firmly believe that if they tell a lie three times, it may sound like the truth.”

On Nov. 25, the UNDP and DP cancelled plans to form a coalition ahead of the upcoming election, as Chong and Rhee registered as individual candidates representing their own political organizations. Both parties issued statements, explaining they failed to reach an agreement on how they would have established a government.

As he launched his candidacy on Nov. 26, Chung declared: “I believe in the great potential of Koreans. They are ready at heart for a big change, a dramatic change that will come in this election like ten years ago and five years ago.”

Also on Nov. 26, Lee Hoi-chang ruled out an alliance with the GNP, saying, “If I seek a unified candidacy with (Lee Myung-bak), it would be the same as dropping out of the presidential race. (...) I will be a president who serves the people with devotion.’’

On Dec. 5, South Korean prosecutors dropped their investigation into Lee’s possible involvement in the Kim Kyung-joon scandal due to lack of evidence. The following day, in a televised debate, Chung raised the issue, saying, “Prosecutors cleared Lee Myung-Bak of his crime but he cannot avoid being termed a corrupt candidate.”

On Dec. 17, South Korea’s National Assembly authorized a new probe into financial fraud allegations surrounding Lee Myung-bak—including embezzlement, false documents and share-rigging—over the release of video footage where Lee discusses his role at investment firm BBK.

Chung expressed dismay, saying, “GNP candidate Lee Myung-bak is nothing more than a criminal. He must immediately stand down. (...) We can defeat him if we form an alliance against corrupt forces. I will keep the door open to any groups and candidates to discuss the issue.”

An average of the last five surveys conducted before the election showed Lee with the support of more than 40 per cent of South Korean voters.

Voting took place on Dec. 19. Final results gave Grand National Party (GNP) candidate Lee Myung-bak 48.7 per cent of all cast ballots, with Chung Dong-young of the United New Democratic Party (UNDP) a distant second with 26.1 per cent.

In his acceptance speech, Lee declared: “I am well aware of what the public wants. I will humbly devote myself to the people of Korea, I will save the economy from crisis, and I will bring harmony and unity to this divided society.”

Lee was sworn in as president on Feb. 25, 2008. On Feb. 29, UNDP member Han Seung-soo took over as prime minister.

Political Players

President: Lee Myung-bak - GNP
Prime minister: Han Seung-soo - UNDP

The president is elected to a five-year term by popular vote.

Legislative Branch: The Kuk Hoe (National Assembly) has 299 members, elected to four-year terms; 243 members are elected in single-seat constituencies and 56 members are elected by proportional representation.

Results of Last Election:

President - Dec. 19, 2007

	Vote%
Lee Myung-bak - Grand National Party	48.7%
Chung Dong-young - United New Democratic Party	26.1%
Lee Hoi-chang - Independent	15.1%
Moon Kook-hyun - Creative Korea Party	5.8%
Kwon Young-ghil - Democratic Labour Party	3.0%
Rhee In-je - Centrist Reformists Democratic Party	0.7%
Huh Kyung-young - Republican Party	0.4%
Geum Min - Korea Socialist Party	0.1%
Chung Kun-mo - True Owner Coalition	0.1%
Chun Kwan - Chamsaram Society Full True Act	0.0%

National Assembly - Apr. 15, 2004

	Vote%	Seats
Uri Party (Uri)	38.3%	152
Grand National Party (GNP)	35.8%	121
Democratic Labour Party (DLP)	13.0%	10
Millennium Democratic Party (MDP)	7.1%	9
United Liberal Democrats (JMY)	2.8%	4
National Alliance 21 (NA21)	--	1
Independents	--	2

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