The Final Debate Also a Heated Exchange... Lee Jun-seok "Unfair Criticism" vs Na Kyung-won "Watch Your Words Yourself"

Na Kyung-won and Lee Jun-seok Clash Until the Last Day
Another Conflict Over 'Delusion' and 'Dalchang' Remarks

Candidate Lee Jun-seok running for the leader of the People Power Party.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Candidates Lee Jun-seok and Na Kyung-won, who are fiercely competing in the People Power Party leadership race, continued their heated exchanges in the final TV debate.

On the 9th, during the People Power Party leadership candidate debate hosted by KBS, candidates Lee and Na clashed sharply over each other's words and actions.

First, candidate Na pointed out that Lee's 'harsh language' could be problematic. Na said, "Looking at the terms (Lee) used during this party convention, I am very concerned," adding, "He said to Ahn Cheol-soo, the leader of the People’s Party, that he would 'give him a price boost,' and used expressions like 'greedy judge' and 'jirashi' (rumor monger), which are very inappropriate remarks for a party leader. There are words that are acceptable and words that are not when opinions differ at the convention," she criticized.

In response, candidate Lee said, "I deeply empathize with that part," but added, "Na accusing me of 'delusion' as 'disparaging disabled people' seems rather like Na trying to frame a junior politician with harsh language." Earlier, on the 8th, during KBS's 'Sasa Geongeon,' when Lee used the term 'delusion' targeting Na, she pointed out, "It is a very dangerous remark that can mentally disparage disabled people."

Lee continued, "Young people call this 'Eokka' these days, meaning trying to criticize forcibly," and said, "You might call this harsh language too, but you shouldn't keep doing 'Eokka' like this."

In his leadership debate, Lee once again counterattacked regarding the 'delusion' remark. He said, "How can 'delusion' be considered disparaging disabled people? I don't understand why you keep bringing up the harsh language controversy," adding, "I will not mention the words Na used when she was the floor leader."

This referred to Na's past use of the term 'Dalchang' (a derogatory term for supporters of President Moon Jae-in) when she was the floor leader of the People Power Party.

Candidate Na Kyung-won running for the leader of the People Power Party./Photo by Yonhap News

In response, candidate Na said, "Having experienced such fights as the floor leader, I know the importance of the weight of words as a party leader," emphasizing, "This is exactly why our senior members say experience is important. Please keep this in mind."

However, Lee insisted, "During the gender debate, many labeled me as a misogynist. But when asked to clarify, I never said anything misogynistic," and added, "If 'delusion' is harsh language, I am frustrated about what I should say."

As the two candidates' fierce exchanges continued, other candidates expressed concern. Candidate Joo Ho-young said, "It was a bit uncomfortable to watch the thorny exchanges between candidates Lee and Na," and added, "I hope they quickly return to a good relationship after this."

Candidate Hong Moon-pyo said, "It is regrettable that the convention proceeded without policies," and emphasized, "No matter how much we have clashed internally, please watch over us as a precious asset. If we unite and join forces, we can regain power on March 9 next year."

Candidate Cho Kyung-tae also expressed optimism, saying, "I believe that if we unite without fighting among ourselves, we can definitely regain power."