A South Korean businessman-turned-politician won the conservative opposition's presidential primary Aug. 20, cementing his front-runner status in the December election to take leadership of the country from liberals aligned with President Roh Moo Hyun.

Lee Myung Bak, a former Hyundai CEO and Seoul mayor, is already leading in national opinion polls as the country has grown weary of Roh's leadership amid a sagging economy.

"The Grand National Party and I will hold hands with all who wish to join in our goals to achieve regime change and build a world-leading country," Lee said to supporters chanting his name at a Seoul auditorium.