[Asia Economy Reporters Oh Ju-yeon and Jeon Jin-young] Sim Sang-jung, the Justice Party presidential candidate, strongly criticized the bilateral TV debate between Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, and Yoon Seok-youl, the People Power Party presidential candidate, on the 17th, saying, "What is the difference from kicking someone out of the exam hall at school for being short?" and called it "a democratic outrage that destroys diversity and pluralism in democracy."
On the afternoon of the same day, Sim made these remarks during a Q&A session with reporters at a press conference held at the National Assembly after announcing the resumption of her election campaign.
Sim pointed out, "Both candidates are talking about fairness, but if such a TV debate takes place, I think it will be difficult for them to continue talking about fairness in the future."
She said, "Originally, debates should be hosted by broadcasting companies, not arranged by the examinees themselves," and criticized, "If this debate proceeds according to the agreement of the two parties, it is 'collusion in election campaigning.'"
Having resumed activities five days after declaring a complete suspension of the election schedule on the 12th, Sim emphasized to the public, "No matter how tough and difficult it is, I will not give up until the end," and expressed her intention to seek renewed trust.
Sim said, "During the past five days of reflection, I thought the public was very disappointed with the current state of the progressive party, which has received much support," and added, "Even looking at the image of Sim Sang-jung as a presidential candidate, with inequality deepening and citizens' lives becoming difficult, I wondered whether progressive politics is fulfilling its role and responsibility properly and whether it is that urgent. In that sense, I think it was hard to empathize." She then emphasized, "I intend to approach the values and principles that progressive politics has declared so far with more urgency, clarity, and humility."
She said, "The issues and people that have disappeared in this presidential election are the spirit of the times," adding, "Labor, women, and the climate crisis are such issues. The subjects related to the three major contemporary challenges of inequality, discrimination, and the climate crisis are either not being called upon, are being attacked, or are being ignored. Therefore, I believe it is my mission to amplify their voices as much as possible."
Sim, who appeared with her hair cut short that day, said, "It was the first time in my life that I got a haircut," and added, "I have the mindset to let go of everything and empty myself as much as possible."
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