S. Korea Opposition Leader Quits Politics

Lee Min Woo, head of the small New Korea Democratic Party, said Friday that he is quitting politics, accusing presidential contenders Kim Dae Jung and Kim Young Sam of betraying popular hopes for a single opposition candidate.

Lee told a news conference that he is 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. “I now announce my retirement because I have concluded that I cannot help to realize the people’s wishes.”

Five other opposition members of Parliament belonging to parties run by one or the other of the Kims severed their links with them on Friday and said they would sit as independents.