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December 2, 2008 11:31:33 AM CST

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Right-Wing CEO Wins Korean Presidency

Posted Dec 19, 07 5:39 AM CST in World 

(Newser) – Opposition leader Lee Myung-bak, nicknamed "The Bulldozer," has been elected president of South Korea by the largest margin in the country's democratic history. Lee, a former CEO at Hyundai and once mayor of Seoul, won 50.3% of the vote, trouncing his nearest rival, who captured just 26%, reports Reuters. Lee ran on a right-wing platform emphasizing improvements to the economy and a harder line with North Korea.

He plans to slow aid to Pyongyang and demand an end to its nuclear program. He also wants to pump up South Korea's flagging economy to compete with China and Japan. Although Lee led in polling throughout the race, he has been dogged by accusations of financial corruption, and he may face a criminal investigation.

Source Reuters

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South Korean presidential candidate Lee Myung-bak of the opposition Grand National Party exits the voting booth before casting his ballot in the presidential election at a polling station in Seoul on...   (Associated Press)
Supporters of opposition Grand National Party Presidential candidate Lee Myung-bak dance to Lee's campaign tune during the last election campaign in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007. (AP...   (Associated Press)
Opposition Grand National Party Presidential candidate Lee Myung-bak delivers his speech during his last election campaign a day before election in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007.   (Associated Press)
Presidential candidate Lee Myung-bak of the conservative main opposition Grand National Party gestures to his supporters while visiting an exhibition by universities as he campaigns for the upcoming presidential...   (Associated Press)
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