Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party candidate, and Yoon Hyung-sun, the People Power Party candidate, who are running in the Incheon Gyeyang-gu B by-election, are taking a commemorative photo on the 25th at the OBS Gyeongin TV studio in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, before the start of the "National Assembly By-election Gyeyang-gu B Constituency Candidate Debate" hosted by the Gyeyang-gu Election Commission. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jin-ho] In the June 1st by-election for the National Assembly, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party candidate running in Incheon Gyeyang-eul, and Yoon Hyung-sun, the People Power Party candidate, engaged in a fierce debate on TV on the 26th. Lee emphasized that he has proven capabilities, while Yoon directly accused him of being a transient candidate.
During the debate, when Lee proposed the pledge of "large-scale development of Gangseo through the relocation of Gimpo Airport," Yoon opened fire by saying it was unrealistic.
Lee said, "We need to relocate Gimpo Airport, which is an obstacle to Gyeyang's development, ease height restrictions, and develop the Gangseo area including Gyeyang-eul." Yoon responded, "Many people have raised complaints about this issue, but since (Lee) might leave anytime, it is practically difficult."
The two candidates also clashed over the construction of the 'Y'-shaped metropolitan area express railroad (GTX) Line D, which connects Incheon International Airport and Gimpo as two starting points. Lee attacked, "The Y-shaped line was missing from the Yoon Seok-yeol administration's transition team plan. Will you fight the central government?" Yoon countered, "(The Y-shaped line) was President Yoon Seok-yeol's pledge, and he previously promised to fulfill it when he visited Gyeyang Traditional Market."
Yoon attacked Lee by emphasizing the 'transient candidate theory,' saying Lee only recently came to Gyeyang-gu to run for election. Lee responded with the 'personality theory,' stating that a capable politician is needed for Gyeyang's development.
Yoon said, "This election is with a transient candidate who has been in Gyeyang for less than 25 days and might leave anytime. We must protect the pride of Gyeyang residents from someone who uses residents to satisfy political ambitions." Lee countered, "Electing someone you know does not improve the region. I am confident I can transform Gyeyang and Incheon into the best city."
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