World Cup Organiser Chung Mong Joon May Run for President

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, June 25, 2002

World Cup Organiser Chung Mong Joon May Run for President

South Korea's main political parties are increasingly worried that chief World Cup organiser Chung Mong Joon may launch a presidential election bid on the back of the country's football success.

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South Korea's main political parties are increasingly worried that chief World Cup organiser Chung Mong Joon may launch a presidential election bid on the back of the country's football success.

The popularity rating of the 51-year-old scion of the Hyundai industrial empire has shot up as South Korea has claimed major scalps at the tournament that he battled to bring to the country.

A South Korean victory over Germany in today's semi-final in Seoul, with almost 15 per cent of the 48 million population watching in the streets, could be the final piece in the political puzzle that the rich, powerful and ambitious Mr Chung needs.

But for the moment, the sixth son of Mr Chung Ju Yung, founder of the Hyundai industrial empire who died last year, is putting the main candidates for the December election on edge by keeping his intentions to himself.

In a recent interview, Mr Chung said he would decide his future after attending the World Cup final in the Japanese city of Yokohama on Sunday.

'I may go to Japan for a hot bath tour,' he said. 'Or I may go to the south of France for sightseeing, or I may be involved in the Korean presidential election.

'I think I will make up my mind which of these I will do after the final match in Yokohama. In the car from the stadium to my hotel I will make up my mind.'

According to media reports, President Kim Dae Jung's ruling Millennium Democratic Party (MDP) and Mr Lee Hoi Chang's Grand National Party (GNP) are seeking some kind of arrangement as football fever boosts Mr Chung's prestige.

Opinion polls released last week by the DongA Ilbo and JoongAng Ilbo dailies gave him a 15.3 per cent and 18.7 per cent rating respectively. Commentators say this is impressive for someone who is not even a declared candidate.

(Agencies)

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