The nation's presidential hopefuls now have exactly 10 days to woo the undecided and widen their support base ahead of the December 19 election. Grand National Party candidate Lee Hoi-chang focused on garnering support from the country's Buddhist circle and the younger generation, Monday. Lee started the week, spending some time with around 100 former and incumbent university student presidents, who have pledged their support for him.

The GNP candidate then visited the Chogye Temple in downtown Seoul where he met with members of the Korea Buddhist Order Association. There he pledged to push for a 10-year-plan to restore the nation's traditional Buddhist temples and promised W30 billion, or about US$24 million from state coffers for consecrating Buddhist temples.

In the meantime Roh Moo-hyun of the Millennium Democratic Party visited Seoul Station to see off young men headed for a military recruit-training center in Nonsan to begin their mandatory military service. While offering their parents some words of encouragement, Roh promised that if elected president, he will make the army a place of learning.

In related news the three major contenders vying for the nation's top office will sit down to voice their respective stance on the nation's economy and science-technology on Tuesday. The second three-way debate to be held with the crucial vote nine days away is widely expected to play a pivotal role in garnering support from the undecided.

The GNP's Lee plans to show that he is the man to take the reins of Asia's fourth largest economy by highlighting his knowledge and experience acquired through many debates and discussions with economic experts. He will also promise to create more jobs and foster a healthier business environment.

Roh's key message will include achieving a seven percent economic growth rate, pulling up the benchmark KOSPI to the two thousand level and expanding welfare facilities and services to create work for the unemployed. On the issue of labor unrest Roh plans to present an alternative solution, meeting both the demands by labor and management.

For Kwon Young-ghil of the Democratic Labor Party, his prime goal is to show that he is different from the other two powerful rivals by laying out progressive economic policies such as a new tax obligation for the rich, and workers' participation in management. The two-hour TV debate will be broadcast from eight in the evening.

(Arirang TV)