Korean Candidate Roh Hit by Eggs, Tear Gas at Rally

Government presidential candidate Roh Tae Woo was pelted with tear gas grenades and eggs today during a campaign visit to an anti-government stronghold.

Roh was attacked twice but not injured during his visit to the southern city of Kwangju, scene of a 1980 anti-government uprising that was suppressed by the army. Roh was a general at the time and has been accused of helping to quash the revolt.

Police hustled Roh to safety when unidentified protesters hurled tear gas grenades as he was speaking during a campaign stop in Yongkwang outside Kwangju, 165 miles south of Seoul.

The grenades exploded with sharp blasts at Roh’s feet, sending out choking clouds of tear gas. Frightened onlookers screamed and scrambled to get away.

“I am determined to achieve democratization!” Roh yelled as he was hustled away by bodyguards.

None of the assailants was caught, the Korean news agency Yonhap reported.

The tear gas attack followed an incident earlier in the day in Kwangju when Roh was hit in the face and chest by eggs hurled by dozens of irate protesters.

“Down with Roh!” the protesters yelled.

Roh was hit by the eggs as he walked to the Kwangju gymnasium to address a rally of his governing Democratic Justice Party.

Roh smiled and waved as he entered the gymnasium to indicate he was not hurt, although he appeared startled. The protesters also sprinkled tear gas powder into the crowd.

Witnesses said dozens of protesters were arrested by police.