S. Korea reopens probe of presidential front-runner

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Source: USA Today

South Korea's president ordered justice officials Sunday to reopen an investigation into financial fraud allegations against the presidential front-runner, a move that may affect this week's vote.

President Roh Moo-hyun asked the justice minister to consider reopening the case against conservative candidate Lee Myung-bak to "relieve the public suspicion and regain the prosecution's trust," Roh's office said on its website. The request effectively orders the minister to do so.

Justice Minister Chung Soung-jin met with officials but had not yet decided whether the ministry would reopen the case itself or if an independent counsel would launch an investigation, said a ministry official who asked not to be named, citing policy.

The ministry plans to make a decision on Monday, he said.

Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-12-16-southkorea_N.htm