This duel between the two now clearly demonstrates the competition as being one between the forces of revolution against the Kim Dae-jung administration and those who wish to see its policies preserved.

Roh had said that his policies would be similar, in general, to Kim Dae-jung's, even though some political behavior - courtroom politics, corruptions, nepotism, authoritarianism - would be different. This indicates that the key point of the campaign would be continue, inherit, or cut off. Therefore, the voter's selection is likely to be a referendum on the current government's performance. If they approve of President Kim, they are likely to vote for Roh.

Another unique point to this election is that it contains the feature of ideological confrontation, which is rarely seen in Korean politics. It is a competition between Lee, who opposes he direction, speed, and content of the ideology held for the last five years by this government, and Roh, who wishes to continue in this ideological vein. The experts agree that the word to best describe Kim Dae-jung's ideology is "equality." This election is a fight between conservatives and reformists.

The third unique point to this election is that it further reveals the generation gap in the country. Youth greatly prefer Roh. This is also a framework of regionalism, a left-over from the ages of authoritarianism and of ancient kingdoms. It could be said that the future of Korean politics might be decided by how positively these two candidates make use of their political strengths in the days ahead. November 26, 2002