Kim Du-kwan "Worried about Democratic Party approval ratings"
Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential candidate, reiterated the need for a temporary suspension or easing of the financial investment income tax (금투세). In contrast, Kim Doo-kwan, another candidate for the party leadership, argued that introducing the financial investment income tax as planned is appropriate for tax justice. The two candidates also offered differing interpretations regarding the stagnant approval ratings of the Democratic Party.
Lee Jae-myung (from left), Kim Ji-su, and Kim Du-kwan, candidates for the Democratic Party leader, are taking a commemorative photo before the party leader candidate broadcast debate held at the MBC new building studio in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul on the 13th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
On the 13th, during the MBC 100-Minute Debate for Democratic Party leadership candidates, Lee Jae-myung said, "To get straight to the point, a temporary suspension or easing of the financial investment income tax is necessary," adding, "The current stock market is very poor, and since the cause lies in flawed government policies, we can temporarily suspend or ease the financial investment income tax."
Kim Doo-kwan expressed an opposing view. He said, "The tax has already been deferred for two years, and taxing income where it exists is consistent with tax justice," and added, "I do not agree with suspending the financial investment income tax and believe it should be implemented as is."
Kim Doo-kwan also criticized Lee Jae-myung's pledge called 'Meoksanism.' He pointed out, "In the long term, we should move towards Meoksanism, but in the short term, I question whether it is immediately feasible." In response, Lee Jae-myung said, "The only way to sustain growth is inclusive growth," and added, "The path we must take is to prepare for a universal basic society."
Regarding the stagnant approval ratings of the Democratic Party, the candidates showed differing perceptions. Kim Doo-kwan said, "In the 21st general election, the overall vote difference with the People Power Party was 8 percentage points, but in the 22nd general election, it narrowed to 5 percentage points," adding, "On the surface, we secured many seats, but this is due to the single-member district system. Looking at the Democratic Party's approval ratings, I am very concerned."
On the other hand, Lee Jae-myung said, "Conservative polling agencies predicted that the Democratic Party would lose in the 22nd general election, but they were all wrong, and the same applies now," adding, "Do I think we are losing now? I don't think so." He continued, "It is almost unprecedented for a party that lost the presidential election to lead in the general election," and added, "Since there is no similar case, I hope people do not view this too pessimistically."
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