South Korea contender drops out

Former PM Goh Kun gave no explanation for his move

A leading contender for the South Korean presidency has dropped out of the race to be the country's next president.

Former Prime Minister Goh Kun said he would not run in the 2007 presidential elections and announced his immediate retirement from political life.

Mr Goh's withdrawal has boosted the chances of front-running opposition candidate, Lee Myung-Bak.

Mr Goh had been expected to join the ruling Uri Party's presidential race.

South Korea's constitution bars incumbent presidents from seeking re-election.

Mr Goh served as a caretaker president for two months in 2004 after President Roh Moo-hyun was impeached and suspended from power.