Asia

S. Koreans want new leader to create jobs minus corruption

Associated Press
Published | Updated

FILE - In this Thursday, April 20, 2017 file photo, elementary school children look at posters of candidates for the May 9 presidential election in Seoul, South Korea. Creating jobs, ending corruption and boosting low birthrates should be high on a to-do list for South Korea’s next president after a campaign mostly dominated by security and foreign policy issues. There is concern that the economy will likely take a backseat to North Korea when South Koreans pick their next leader on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, File) (The Associated Press)

FILE -- In this Monday, April 17, 2017 file photo, Ahn Cheol-soo, presidential candidate of South Korea's People's Party, is greeted by supporters during an election campaign in Seoul, South Korea. Creating jobs, ending corruption and boosting low birthrates should be high on a to-do list for South Korea’s next president after a campaign mostly dominated by security and foreign policy issues. There is concern that the economy will likely take a backseat to North Korea when South Koreans pick their next leader on Tuesday, May 9. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, File) (The Associated Press)

FILE - In this Thursday, May 4, 2017 file photo, people gather to listen to South Korean presidential candidate Moon Jae-in of the Democratic Party during an election campaign in Goyang, South Korea. Creating jobs, ending corruption and boosting low birthrates should be high on a to-do list for South Korea’s next president after a campaign mostly dominated by security and foreign policy issues. There is concern that the economy will likely take a backseat to North Korea when South Koreans pick their next leader on Tuesday, May 9. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, File). (The Associated Press)

Leading presidential candidates in South Korea have tried to tap into public discontent over youth unemployment and corruption, but the lack of concrete plans means their economic agenda did not gain much attention during the campaign.

Demand for change in South Korea's economic system remains high as growth and wealth continue to be concentrated in the hands of top few family-run business giants known as chaebol.

Anger over allegations of collusion between big businesses and the government helped trigger massive protests that led to the ouster of President Park Geun-hye in March and the arrest of the Samsung heir.

Liberal front-runner Moon Jae-in believes a bigger government would be better for creating jobs. His main rival Ahn Cheol-soo says the government should stay away from the private sector.