Roh Moo Hyun

The ruling, broadcast live on national television, took 30 minutes and covered three main charges against Roh -- illegal campaigning, incompetence and economic mismanagement.

Constitutional Court President Yun Young Chul cleared Roh of the charge of economic mismanagement and the allegation that he was incompetent for failing to rein in corruption among several former aides.

The court found that Roh violated election laws, but that the violation "was not serious or grave enough to justify the unseating of the president," Yun said.

The Japan Times Weekly: May 22, 2004
(C) All rights reserved