Yeo Kyung-sun, Inside 'Wang' Outside 'Special Prosecutor' Debate

Joint 6th TV Debate Tonight
Preliminary Candidates Expected to Raise Voices on Daejang-dong Suspicion Special Prosecutor Issue
Yoon Seok-yeol Wang-Shaped Controversy Also a Main Topic of Debate

Yoon Seok-yeol (from the right), Hwang Kyo-ahn, Won Hee-ryong, Ha Tae-kyung, Yoo Seung-min, Choi Jae-hyung, Ahn Sang-soo, and Hong Joon-pyo, presidential primary candidates of the People Power Party, are taking a commemorative photo before the 3rd broadcast debate of the 20th presidential primary of the People Power Party held at Channel A Studio in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul on the 26th of last month. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] The People Power Party's presidential primary has been embroiled in controversy over a 'special prosecutor' externally and a 'king' internally. In particular, candidates are expected to engage in heated debates over these issues during the TV debate on the 5th to secure a spot in the final four.

The People Power Party's presidential candidates are expected to attend the 6th joint TV debate held late at night and advocate for Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung's acceptance of a special prosecutor. This is because it is an opportunity to raise their voices strongly in line with the ongoing investigation into the Daejang-dong development preferential treatment allegations, as well as to emphasize their competitiveness and policies to compete with ruling party candidates in the main election.

Former Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong held a press conference at the National Assembly in the morning before the debate, urging the introduction of a special prosecutor and emphasizing, "At least until the acceptance of the special prosecutor, I urge the prosecution to conduct a strict investigation." Representative Hong Joon-pyo also targeted Governor Lee through Facebook, stating, "If Yoo Dong-gyu, the main figure in the Daejang-dong corruption, was arrested for corruption, then former Seongnam Mayor Lee Jae-myung, the architect of the Daejang-dong corruption, inevitably has to take responsibility as an accomplice."

Internally, the controversy over former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl's 'king (王)' character has emerged as a major point of contention. During the 3rd to 5th debates, the '王' written on Yoon's palm was confirmed, leading other candidates to raise suspicions of 'superstition' and 'magic,' focusing their attacks on Yoon. The campaign's explanations such as "a supporter wrote it" and "he washes mainly his fingers" have failed to quell the controversy, drawing attention to whether Yoon will admit it as a 'mistake' himself or counterattack by mentioning other candidates' 'name changes' or 'underwear.' Additionally, with the overlapping issue of 'fake party members' remarks, Yoon is expected to highlight the Daejang-dong preferential treatment allegations as a way to stimulate public opinion.

The People Power Party will conclude the second round of primary debates with this debate. On the 6th and 7th, party member voting and public opinion polls will be conducted, and on the 8th, the four candidates advancing to the main election will be announced. The main election is scheduled to run for 28 days from the 9th to the 5th of next month.