A society of principle where hard work is recognized and rewarded is the kind of community Roh Moo-hyun hopes to establish in the next five years. The Millennium Democratic Party candidate is out to woo national support by striking chords with the ordinary public, who are currently suffering the consequences of steep housing prices, unemployment as well as the other tough aspects of life in a capitalist society.

Aside from pledges to address these issues the 56-year-old is vowing to make tomorrow's Korea a better place for the country's women.

Coming from a low-income family himself, one of Roh's priorities lies in ensuring opportunities for the less fortunate. Roh's pro-government MDP, however, went through its share of hardships earlier in the year following its humiliating defeat in the local elections. But after merging forces with the National Alliance Party 21, the party and the candidate's popularity are said to be back on track.

On Wednesday the two parties inked an accord on coordinated policies, paving the road to a coalition government if Roh wins the race. The framework also calls for a firmer stance against North Korea, stating that financial aid may be withheld if the Stalinist regime continues to pursue its nuclear interests.

(Arirang TV)