Yoo Seung-min "Presidential candidates must develop and lead their own policies"
Hong Joon-pyo "It means combining my views with the party's" rebuttal
On the evening of the 31st, the 10th joint debate for the People Power Party presidential primary candidates was held at the KBS studio in Yeouido, Seoul. From the left, presidential primary candidates Won Hee-ryong, Yoon Seok-yeol, Yoo Seung-min, and Hong Joon-pyo posed before the start of the debate. 2021.10.31 Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] The presidential candidates of the People Power Party engaged in a tense battle of nerves, keeping each other in check until the final debate.
On the 31st, at the 10th joint debate held at the KBS studio in Yeouido, Seoul, former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min asked People Power Party lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo, "There are too many extreme policies. Do you think you can win the votes of the moderate voters with that?"
In response, Hong said, "If I want to win votes, the policies can be changed again." When Yoo asked again, "Will you change your policies again if you become the candidate?" Hong replied, "I have to consult with the party. Since I am running under the party's name, it is difficult for the candidate to insist on policies alone."
However, Yoo countered, "The presidential candidate is someone who takes precedence over the party leader. If you become the candidate, you have to organize all the policies yourself and lead them in the direction you think is right." He pointed out, "The people and party members vote for a person because they see that person's vision, philosophy, and policies." Then, when Yoo said, "Candidate Hong seems to be too unprepared policy-wise," Hong responded, "Since Candidate Yoo's side says that, I have nothing more to say," drawing a line.
Former Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong criticized Hong as a "slow train going back to 1980."
When Hong asked, "What do you think about naming Candidate Lee Jae-myung as the 'Chavez of Gyeonggi Province'?" Won replied, "Candidate Hong is also trapped in the values of the era when he rose from humble beginnings in the 1980s," making this criticism.
Won continued, "Earlier, you said you rely on the party because you are unprepared with policies, but this is not a criticism. You have to prepare your own pledges. Do you think it will be better this time because the party will take care of it?"
Hong responded, "Not at all. My thoughts and the party's thoughts must be combined. I will not do politics as if only my ideas are right." Won then said, "One president without his own ideas is enough with President Moon Jae-in," adding, "He seems like an empty can."
Feeling offended, Hong said, "Criticizing like that is not appropriate for the final debate," to which Won immediately apologized, saying, "I'm sorry."
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