Roh to Distance MDP from President

Roh Moo-hyun, the presidential candidate of the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP) said on Wednesday that he would set the position on alienating the party from president Kim Dae-jung. Cheong Wa Dae, the presidential office, is also reported to work out measures to regain the public confidence including the departure of Rep. Kim Hong-il, the president`s eldest son from the MDP and the dissolution of the Peace Foundation for the Asia-Pacific Region founded by the president.

Roh met on Wednesday with leaders of the civic groups at a gathering designed to root out corruption with in the YMCA in Seoul. He said, "I have a duty to make decisions and I cannot avoid my duty. No compromise will be made in my decision."

He added, "When I said I would not differentiate myself from the president, people debated on the president`s political achievements. At that time, the core problem did not emerge nor did I expect."

He also said, "We cannot draw a clear line between the legal and political responsibility and the responsibility as a human being. But I don`t think I am more indecisive than other people," indicating he is committed to solving the problems faced by the MDP.

In the meantime, Cheong Wa Dae is expected to bring an end to controversies over the departure of Rep. Kim Hong-il from the MDP and the dissolution of the Peace Foundation for the Asia-Pacific Region as soon as President Kim returns from Japan next week.

"MDP chairman, Han Hwa-gap and other officials are working behind the scenes to address Rep. Kim`s defection," an MDP official said, "And since the Peace Foundation for the Asia-Pacific Region has already turned to a non-profit organization, MDP lawmakers taking charge of the matter will hold a board meeting soon and make a final decision of the fate of the think tank."

A source close to Rep. Kim said, "The MDP has continuously persuaded him to leave the party. But the prerequisite is that his defection should be at, not against, his will."

President Kim is reported to mull over a cabinet reshuffle since some ministers have announced their candidacy in the Aug. 8 by- and reelection.

Young-Chan Yoon Young-Hae Choi yyc11@donga.com yhchoi65@donga.com