Chung Mong-jun was confirmed on Tuesday as the presidential candidate of National Unity 21. Although Chung’s special relations with Hyundai has limited his political stance, he became one of the more powerful presidential candidates in a short period of time, spurred on by the great success of the 2002 World Cup Games and voters' disgust with current politics.

In his candidate acceptance address, Chung Mong-jun emphasized "new politics" in accordance with many voters disgust, however, when we carefully evaluate his "Big 5 State Administration Plans"; national unity, economic growth and fair distribution, removing corruption, establishing peace on the Korean peninsula, and constructing social harmony; it looks like a compromise between Lee Hoi-chang and Roh Mu-hyun’s plans.

Until Chung became an official candidate, he had been criticized for the lack of concrete state administration plans and his vagueness, while acquiring positive responses on his young image. Since now he has become an official presidential candidate, voters will pay more attention on his weak points, at the same time the media will strictly evaluate his capability.

A difficult task is waiting for newly selected candidate; he will be questioned again on his relations with Hyundai Corporation that recently induced suspicions regarding its business in North Korea. With respect to relations with Hyundai, Chung has not made a clear resolution so far. Also, it is not very clear what kind of people he will lead, and what kind of specific plans he will bring out. We believe that his vague political footsteps might be related to the dropping trend of his support.

Based on his movements from now, the transition from lawmaker to presidential candidate can be either another chance for him, or the beginning of crisis. If he clearly answers the questions and suspicions that people have now, his support should sharply rebound. On the other hand, if Chung keeps insisting on political vagueness, his support rate will plunge at an accelerating speed.

November 6, 2002