Former Hyundai CEO Lee Myung-bak claimed victory yesterday in South Korea's presidential election as voters overlooked fraud allegations to give him a landslide win on hopes he will revive the economy.
Lee's two main rivals conceded defeat following partial results showing him winning nearly double the votes of his closest competitor in the election that fell on his 66th birthday.
"Today, the people gave me absolute support. I'm well aware of the people's wishes," said Lee, who has also served as Seoul mayor.
"I will serve the people in a very humble way. According to the people's wishes, I will save the nation's economy that faces a crisis."
The National Election Commission said Lee had 47.6 percent of the vote and liberal Chung Dong-young was a distant second at 27.1 percent.
Lee has pledged to take a more critical view of Seoul's engagement with Pyongyang and seek closer US ties.
Hundreds of supporters watching results on a giant TV in front of the Grand National Party's headquarters burst into song last night as Lee's victory became clear.
This year voters were focused on economic matters due to concern over sky-high real estate prices, soaring unemployment and a widening gap between rich and poor.
Nicknamed "The Bulldozer" for his get-the-job-done attitude, Lee has made the economy central to his campaign, pledging to raise annual growth to 7 percent, double the country's per capita income to $40,000 and lift the Republic of Korea to among the world's top seven economies - known as his "747" pledge.
Lee first gained prominence as head of Hyundai's construction unit that symbolized ROK's meteoric economic rise in the 1960-70s.
As Seoul mayor from 2002-2006, he made his mark by opening up a long-paved-over stream to create a new landmark in the capital that also earned him environmental credibility.
Questions:
1. Why was the election date special for the winning candidate?
2. What are the three election pledges the winning candidate gave to the people?
3. What job did Lee hold last year that brought him favor from the people?
Answers:
1.It was also his 66th birthday.
2.Raise annual growth to 7 percent, double the country's per capita income to $40,000 and lift the Republic of Korea to world's top seven economies.
3.He was mayor of Seoul.
（英语点津 Celene 编辑）
About the broadcaster:
Brendan is an Australian who has been involved in education and writing for over a decade. He has published most recently for the Tiger Airways Inflight magazine, The Bangkok Post, The Taipei Times and Japan's Hiroshima Outside Magazine. He holds a Masters Degree in Community Development and Management and has resided in China for over 3 years.
