Chung Dong-young (L2) , candidate of the United New Democratic Party, attends a presidential election campaign in Seoul, capital of South Korea, Nov. 27, 2007. Presidential candidates in South Korea formally launched on Tuesday their campaigns for the Dec. 19 presidential election. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    SEOUL, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Presidential candidates in South Korea formally launched on Tuesday their campaigns for the Dec. 19 presidential election.

    According to the National Election Commission (NEC), 12 candidates registered with the NEC during the two-day registration period ending on Monday, making the candidate number the highest record in history.

    Among the candidates, Lee Myung-bak, candidate of the Grand National Party, Lee Hoi-chang, an independent candidate and Chung Dong-young, candidate of the United New Democratic Party, are taking leading positions in the race.

    According to a poll by three major local newspapers, Lee Myung-bak enjoys a 37-39 percent approval rating, while Lee Hoi-chang and Chung Dong-young have separately 18-19 percent and 11-14 percent approval rating.

    Lee Myung-bak on Tuesday started his official campaigning at the Doota shopping mall in the Dongdaemun fashion complex in eastern Seoul. He told his supporters that "I bow my head in gratitude for your unwavering support. I will repay you by reviving the economy."

    Lee Hoi-chang, a former GNP chairman and ex-Supreme Court justice, kicked off his official campaign at the Noryangjin fisheries market in Seoul.

    "This industrial place is where merchants are working hardest, "he said. "I wanted to start my campaign at the frontiers of life."

    "I will open a window to a new era when business will become a lot better," said Lee, who had lost the 1997 and 2002 elections to liberals Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun.

    Chung Dong-young launched his campaign in the southern coastal city of Yeosu, which was chosen to host the 2012 World Expo early Tuesday.

    "I believe in the great potential of Koreans. They are ready at heart for a big change, a dramatic change that will come in this election like ten years ago and five years ago," Chung said.

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