President orders case reopened

South Korea’s president ordered justice officials to reopen an investigation of financial fraud allegations against the presidential front-runner, a move that may affect this week’s vote.

President Roh Moo-hyun asked the justice minister to consider reopening the case against conservative candidate Lee Myung-bak to “relieve the public suspicion and regain the prosecution’s trust,” Roh’s office said. The request in effect orders the minister to do so.

This month, prosecutors said Lee had been cleared of wrongdoing in a stock price manipulation case surrounding a former business associate. Lee’s rivals have alleged money used for the manipulations came from the BBK investment firm, and that Lee was its real owner.

Lee categorically denied the allegations, saying they are a plot to discredit him.