People Power Party: "Let's have a one-on-one debate between Yoon Seok-yeol and Lee Jae-myung on the 31st... at a third location, not on broadcast"

Court Injunction Banning Broadcast Ignored, 'Yangja Debate' Maintained
"As It Is an Agreed Matter, Democratic Party Will Also Agree"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Park Jun-yi and Kwon Hyun-ji] The People Power Party has announced its intention to pursue a one-on-one debate with Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, instead of participating in a multi-candidate debate involving the four major presidential candidates during this year's Lunar New Year holiday. They are determined to insist on a head-to-head confrontation between Yoon Seok-youl, the People Power Party presidential candidate, and Lee, even if it means giving up broadcasting on the three major terrestrial networks.

Seong Il-jong, a member of the People Power Party's TV debate negotiation team, held a press conference on the 27th at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul, stating, "We propose to the Democratic Party to hold a one-on-one debate on the 31st at the National Assembly building or a third-party location," adding, "Since the court's injunction decision was based on the significant impact on the election, we judge that a bilateral agreed debate without inviting broadcasters is permissible, and we propose to hold a one-on-one debate between the two parties that have already agreed." He also said, "I hope the Democratic Party will respond to the rule meeting even today for related negotiations."

The People Power Party's position is that there is no problem in holding a one-on-one debate as long as it is not the 'terrestrial broadcast relay,' which was the reason the court granted the injunction against broadcasting. In particular, since the one-on-one debate itself was agreed upon at the request of the Democratic Party, they expect the Democratic Party to accept this proposal as well. When asked if they would not accept a multi-candidate debate, Seong replied, "On the 31st, the two parties have already agreed to hold a one-on-one debate," and added, "We are proposing to proceed with this again." He also stated, "Debating depends on the Democratic Party's willingness, so I believe they will not refuse."

Regarding the four-party debate, they viewed it as merely an increase in the number of official debates hosted by the National Election Commission but left the possibility of negotiation open. Seong said, "The four-party debate is just an increase in the three sessions hosted by the Election Commission, but if necessary, I propose that the four parties meet in the future to discuss the agenda and moderators."

He also maintained the position that there is no problem with the one-on-one debate, saying, "Kim Dong-yeon, the New Wave presidential candidate, and Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, have agreed to hold a one-on-one debate."