[4·15 General Election] Jeonnam Battleground ‘Candidates Kim Seung-nam and Hwang Ju-hong’ Hold TV Debate ‘Heated Exchange’

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] Ahead of the April 15 general election, with the outbreak of COVID-19 making it a darker-than-ever election, candidates who have not been able to campaign properly seem to be placing great importance on TV debates as an opportunity to appeal to voters. However, candidates who are less prepared are showing cautious movements as these debates could rather become their downfall.

In the 21st National Assembly election for the Goheung·Boseong·Jangheung·Gangjin district, a fierce battle over the truth is underway regarding the absence from the TV debate between Democratic Party candidate Kim Seungnam and Minsheng Party candidate Hwang Juhong.

Hwang Juhong, Minsheng Party candidate for the Goheung·Boseong·Jangheung·Gangjin district, issued a press release on the 27th stating that there has been a dispute over the truth with Kim Seungnam’s side regarding whether the TV debate would be held.

Hwang expressed his frustration, saying, “Kim Seungnam’s side is cunningly distorting an undeniable fact and engaging in a low-level political offensive of ‘say whatever you want.’”

Hwang explained the facts, saying, “The live broadcast debate on Gwangju KBS was scheduled for 10 p.m. on the 1st of next month. Initially, on the 17th, Kim Seungnam also said he would positively consider it.”

However, Kim Seungnam said, “Internal review was necessary,” and delayed final approval repeatedly, eventually informing KBS on the 20th that he would not participate, causing the debate to be canceled.

In response, Hwang Juhong issued a press release criticizing Kim Seungnam’s avoidance of the debate.

Then, Kim Seungnam countered, saying, “I was busy on April 1 and requested KBS to postpone to another day,” and accused Hwang’s side of spreading false information despite him not avoiding the debate.

Hwang Juhong claimed, “After confirming with KBS, it was revealed that Kim Seungnam’s statement was a lie. There was no request for postponement from Kim Seungnam’s side.”

Regarding this, Democratic Party candidate Kim Seungnam also issued a press release on the 27th, stating, “Minsheng Party candidate Hwang Juhong is making daily political offensives regarding the TV debate. The principle is that the broadcasting and media organizations hosting the debate ask each candidate for their opinions and coordinate in advance.” He added, “The only finalized debates so far are on April 7 (Mokpo MBC) and April 9 (KBC), and I will do my best to participate in these debates.”

Regarding Hwang Juhong’s claim of Kim Seungnam’s absence from the KBS debate, Kim Seungnam said, “Gwangju KBS fixed the debate date as April 1 and asked for participation. Other candidates (such as Kim Hwajin) did not participate, and the debate was held with two candidates.”

Kim Seungnam explained, “After being confirmed as the candidate through the Democratic Party primary, I had to spend a lot of time restoring unity among party members. Moreover, April 1 is the day before the official start of the election, the last day to finalize election posters, election brochures, banners, and pledges, so it was difficult to hold a debate on that date, and I expressed the need to adjust the schedule to the broadcaster.”

He added, “KBC initially proposed April 1 for the debate, but since it was the election start day, they requested to move it to April 11. However, April 11 was an early voting day, so the final agreement was for April 9.”

Kim Seungnam added, “Judging from Hwang Juhong’s claims, his unilateral assertion that candidates must participate in all debates set by all broadcasters at the scheduled times regardless of reasons is nothing but a nitpicking attack.”