Yang Hyangja Criticizes Lee Jaemyung's AI Pledge by Tearing Paper
Yoo Jeongbok Says He Will Explain Partnership to Trump
All Four Candidates Confident They Can Defeat Lee Jaemyung
During the People Power Party's presidential primary Group A debate, candidates Kim Moonsoo, Ahn Cheolsoo, Yang Hyangja, and Yoo Jeongbok highlighted their respective strengths and emphasized that they are the candidates who can defeat former Democratic Party leader Lee Jaemyung. Ahn Cheolsoo and Yang Hyangja underscored their expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors, while Kim Moonsoo asserted, "Ultimately, it is the clean Kim Moonsoo who can win."
On the 19th, candidates from Group A are taking a commemorative photo before the first round of the People Power Party's 21st presidential candidate primary debate held at ASSA Art Hall in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
The People Power Party held the first Group A primary debate at ASSA Art Hall in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, at 2 p.m. on April 19. The debate was attended by former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moonsoo, National Assembly member Ahn Cheolsoo, Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeongbok, and former lawmaker Yang Hyangja.
Before the main debate began, the four candidates introduced themselves using their MBTI types. Former Minister Kim, Representative Ahn, and Mayor Yoo all revealed their MBTI as ENTJ. Kim Moonsoo described himself as an "ENTJ, a bold commander," adding, "I am a goal-oriented person who always achieves planned projects." Former lawmaker Yang Hyangja stated that her MBTI is ENFJ, describing herself as "a model of warm leadership."
In the subsequent policy debate on "livelihood, economy, and welfare," the candidates shared their views based on key topics. Mayor Yoo emphasized his achievements as Incheon mayor, such as overcoming low birth rates and increasing economic growth. He mentioned policies like "Incheon i-Plus 100 Million Dream" and "1,000 Won Housing," stating, "If I become president, I will definitively overcome the severe low birth rate problem and prevent the kind of grim reality we are currently facing."
Representative Ahn said, "I have founded companies, created jobs for young people, and helped businesses grow," highlighting his strengths in global competitiveness and job creation. He added, "For Korea to become a leading advanced nation, we need not just one or two companies like Samsung Electronics, but 10 or even 100." Former Minister Kim stressed, "To make Korea a business-friendly country, we must eliminate regulations and significantly change public perception of businesses."
Yang Hyangja, in particular, strongly criticized Lee Jaemyung's AI pledges. She said, "I doubt Lee has ever used ChatGPT even once," pointing out, "Currently, free access to ChatGPT is available in Korea, yet Lee included this as a campaign pledge." She continued, "The Democratic Party is even opposing semiconductor tax credits. Lee Jaemyung's AI pledge is an empty shell and should be scrapped," and performed an act of tearing up a piece of paper on stage.
On the 19th, candidates from Group A are debating at the 1st primary debate for the 21st presidential candidate of the People Power Party held at ASSA Art Hall in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
During the foreign policy and security debate, all candidates claimed they were the right person to negotiate with U.S. President Donald Trump, who initiated the "tariff war."
Representative Ahn said, "Many members of the Trump family are Wharton School graduates. From President Trump to his son and daughter, fortunately, we are all alumni," adding, "In the United States, school ties are considered much more important than in Korea." He continued, "If I am elected, I will immediately fly to the U.S. to negotiate with Trump." Yang Hyangja remarked, "What is the point of defeating Lee Jaemyung? We need to beat Trump." She added, "Trump's top priority will be semiconductors. The person he most wants to meet is me, a semiconductor expert."
Former Minister Kim said, "We must further strengthen the South Korea-U.S. alliance and regularly rotate U.S. strategic assets to enhance deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threat." However, he also explained, "If we unilaterally pursue nuclear development, we could be surrounded by many restrictions under the FTA and WTO. The claim that we can unilaterally develop nuclear weapons is a political slogan but not realistic."
Yang Hyangja stated, "Without semiconductor supremacy, diplomacy and security are impossible. Semiconductors are our shield. Why do we have national defense treasures? Semiconductors are Korea's only weapon."
Mayor Yoo said, "I attended President Trump's inauguration in January. The South Korea-U.S. relationship must safeguard security and the economy based on a strong alliance." When asked by the moderator what he would say if he met President Trump, he replied, "I would logically explain that Korea is the most important partnership for the United States."
The People Power Party will hold the Group B debate on April 20, with Representative Na Kyungwon, North Gyeongsang Governor Lee Cheolwoo, former leader Han Donghoon, and former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo participating. Then, from April 21 to 22, a public opinion poll will select four out of the eight candidates.
Regarding the outlook for the second round of the primary, Representative Ahn said, "I am optimistic," adding, "In terms of morality, expertise, and centrist appeal, I am the only one who can properly take on Lee Jaemyung." Former Minister Kim emphasized, "When I was Gyeonggi governor, Lee Jaemyung was the mayor of Seongnam. Who would know better about the Daejang-dong development and related corruption?" He added, "I am not facing any trials. The clean Kim Moonsoo can defeat Lee Jaemyung."
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