Rhee In-Je Will Run the Race to the End

Rhee In-Je, a presidential hopeful of the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP), denied the rumor of his withdrawal from the race, which was raised after the primary of the South Jeolla Porvince, and emphasized again that he will run the primaries to the end.

Leaving his home at Jagok-dong, Seoul, in early morning, Rhee visited 11 local party offices in Kyeonggi Province on 15th.

When the reporters asked whether he will continue the race, Rhee said, “I have said same thing several times. I will stand aloof from the votes and maintain the party`s moderate reformist line.”

In his talks with the party members and delegates at the local party offices, Rhee tried not to attack Roh Moo-Hyun and concentrated on propagating his vision of state management.

After his returning from Sunchon, South Jeolla Province, on 14th, some aids suggested Rhee to withdraw from the race. But Rhee said that, “Don`t worry about me. I will conduct a grand politics.”

In his interview with the SBS radio in early morning on 15th, Rhee said that even if he fails to grab the MDP`s presidential ticket he will not seek a presidential bid as a candidate of other party. Meanwhile, he clearly stated his will of refusing Roh`s reshaping of the political circle.

Yong-Gwan Jung yongari@donga.com