|
October 29, 2007
|
||||||||
Lee Myung-bak shuns the “old” image of the conservative party, trying to look laid back and informal, even as he reminds supporters that he is still the hardworking chief executive who once steered Hyundai Construction’s fortunes. For his part Chung Dong-young wants to shake off the stiff image of a typical Yeouido lawmaker. A former news anchor, Chung likes to rekindle his image as an active journalist, say election strategists. Earlier this month, Lee gave up his immaculate business attire for a wrinkled T-shirt when he visited a green- house in the small town of Gimhae, South Gyeongsang, to meet with farmers. His pants were covered in pesticide powder and his shirt was stained with red pepper-paste sauce from the bowl of bibimbab he had for lunch. When television reporters asked him for a comment, Lee’s aides advised him to change his shirt, but instead he grabbed a wet cloth next to him and rubbed it on the stain. “See, it’s as clean as new now,” he joked as he prepared for the camera. Lee has also removed traditional sofas from the executive offices at GNP headquarters, including his own. “Sofas do not belong in business offices,” Lee told aides, urging them to work harder. He also told his secretaries to stop serving coffee. He said it is a waste of intelligent human resources to make secretaries act as waitresses. The next day, hot water, paper cups and instant coffee mix were on hand for guests to make their own coffee. Lee’s informal manner extends to campaign meetings. Lee refuses the typical fawning introduction followed by a speech from the candidate. Instead, he leads the rallies as if he were an M.C., his aides say. Chung, meanwhile, highlights his desired image as young and energetic, by often walking to his appointments instead of hopping out of a chauffeured car. Earlier this week, he shooed away aides when they asked him to get into the car to move from City Hall to Gwanghwamun. He took to the sidewalk, greeting fans along the way, to the delight of photographers. Just before he was nominated, on Nov. 14, he went hiking without his bodyguards. One of Chung’s hallmarks as a speaker is that he always asks for a chalkboard before he talks in front of an audience. He writes down his ideas, illustrating his points the way a hagwon teacher might explain a complex theory. By Seo Seung-wook, Kim Kyung-jin JoongAng Ilbo [mina@joongang.co.kr] |
|
