Continuity and change in the 2002 presidential election

The 2002 presidential election outcome controverted many political observers' forecasts. After examining both continuity and change in the 2002 presidential election in comparison with past elections, I assert that the 2002 election manifested political change by bringing about secular realignment. Inevitable accumulated societal change played a major role in creating partisan realignment, which cut across previous regional cleavages in this election. This realignment was possible because of the following three factors: macro-political conditions, new issues such as political reform and the "sunshine" policy, and candidate Roh, who was able to bridge the gulf between the two. Macro political conditions included de-aligned voters and former President Kim Dae-jung's controversial policy towards North Korea. Mr. Roh was able to bring about these political changes since he was viewed as an antiregionalist, outsider, and a progressive.