Official Quits Politics, Says 2 Kims Betray Koreans’ Hopes
SEOUL, South Korea — A former South Korean opposition chief quit politics abruptly today, accusing presidential contenders Kim Dae Jung and Kim Young Sam of betraying popular hopes for a single opposition candidate.
Lee Min Woo told a news conference he was resigning his parliamentary seat and all other public offices.
“The two Kims’ decision to both run for president in December ignores the entire people’s yearnings for an end to military rule, for a civilian government and for a return to democracy,” he said.
Meanwhile, another member of South Korea’s Parliament shaved his head to protest the two Kims’ failure to agree on a single candidate.
Park Chan Jong, a supporter of Kim Young Sam, wants his boss to agree with Kim Dae Jung on a compromise.
As barbers wielded the clippers in Park’s office, elsewhere in Seoul 10 farmers shaved their heads before starting what they said would be an indefinite hunger strike to put pressure on the Kims.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
