Lee Jae-myung "I Gave Opinion on Self-Nomination" Park Yong-jin "Responsibility for Defeat"

Busan MBC Party Leader Candidate Debate

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party's next leadership candidate, clarified that there is a misunderstanding regarding the concerns about 'nomination massacre' raised by some. In response, candidate Park Yong-jin criticized him by mentioning responsibility for the election defeat.

On the 9th, Park attended the Busan MBC party leader candidate debate and questioned Lee, saying, "There is an analysis that the nomination in Gyeyang-eul was the cause of defeat in the local elections. Isn't it your political responsibility to explain and apologize?"

Lee replied, "Many people who supported me during the presidential election were most worried about their frustration and giving up voting due to the defeat at that time," and added, "It was predicted that the results of the election held immediately after the presidential election would be poor."

When Park asked, "Did you request the nomination?" Lee said, "I gave my opinion. I thought it was necessary to run."

He continued, "I judged that my role was necessary to innovate the party to a better situation so that we can win from the next election," and emphasized, "Whether this judgment is right will be decided by party members and the public."

On the same day, regarding the pardon of Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, the two candidates showed different positions.

Park criticized Lee's remark that public opinion is largely in favor of the vice chairman's pardon, saying, "Has there ever been a case where the law or social public interest was decided by a public opinion poll?" and pointed out, "Our principles should not be easily shaken regarding the issue where wealthy and well-connected people receive light punishments and early parole."

Lee responded, "It is not that the law is not applied. Whether to grant a pardon within the discretionary scope is the president's authority," and stated, "The issue of the vice chairman's pardon is not an absolute truth or a fixed norm that must be done, and it can sufficiently change policy-wise depending on the situation at the time for the sake of social integration."