The main opposition Democratic United Party, while gearing up for the April general elections, decided to take on ethical issues about the Lee Myung-bak administration and the Saenuri Party.

The left-wing party toned down its former pledges to abolish the disputed Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, a plan which many have called impractical and believe could have an adverse effect on the national image.

The DUP last week organized a special committee to probe the irregularities and bribery scandals of current government officials and presidential aides.

The targets include former National Assembly Speaker Rep. Park Hee-tae, the president’s elder brother Rep. Lee Sang-deuk, and Choi Si-joong, former chairman of the Korea Communications Commission who is regarded as one of President Lee’s mentors.

DUP policy committee chairman Rep. Lee Yong-sub held a press conference Sunday to denounce the Lee government.

“President Lee’s regime has inflicted irrevocable damage on our society over the past four years,” said Rep. Lee.

“The outcomes include the regression of democracy and human rights, the recession of the economy, the breakup of the inter-Korean relationship, not to mention a spate of political irregularities.”

The current administration has proven itself to be not only corrupt but incompetent, he said.

By highlighting scandals, the leading opposition party seeks to shift voters’ attention away from its former stance on the trade deal.

DUP chair Han Myeong-sook and other key members claimed that the treaty should be either revised to compensate for expected damages to the local industries or scrapped.

They pledged to call off the deal if they win the upcoming elections, unless the controversial clauses are not revised.

The scenario, however, sparked a backlash not only from the right-wing camp but also from local media and business circles.

“DUP leader Han actually led the FTA talks while she served as prime minister in the former Roh Moo-hyun administration,” said Saenuri floor leader Rep. Hwang Woo-yea Friday.

The DUP refuted that the contents of the deal have greatly been altered after renegotiation under the Lee government, but it is still accused of being inconsistent over the issue.

By Bae Hyun-jung (tellme@heraldcorp.com)