Lee Jaemyung, Kim Moonsoo, Lee Junseok, and Kwon Youngguk: What Did the Four Presidential Candidates Say in Their First TV Debate Opening Remarks?

The main candidates for the 21st presidential election began a televised debate hosted by the National Election Broadcasting Debate Commission on the 18th at SBS Prism Tower in Mapo-gu, Seoul, introducing their key policies and agendas during their one-minute opening remarks.

Kim Moonsoo, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, stated, "I will be a president for jobs, a president for people's livelihoods, and a president for the economy," emphasizing the resolution of youth unemployment and the creation of a business-friendly environment. He said, "There are 500,000 young people who are unable to work and are taking a break," adding, "I will make Korea a country where it is easy to do business, and I will boldly ease regulations through the Regulatory Innovation Office and the Regulatory Reform Committee."

Kwon Youngguk, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Labor Party, directly addressed the issue of inequality. He said, "In this unequal world where people remain poor and are continually pushed aside despite working hard, we cannot go on living like this," declaring, "The Democratic Labor Party will change the world so that workers, farmers, the self-employed, women, people with disabilities, sexual minorities, and migrants are no longer marginalized."

21st Presidential Election 1st Candidate Debate
(Seoul=Yonhap News) Kim Moonsoo of the People Power Party (from left), Kwon Youngguk of the Democratic Labor Party, Lee Junseok of the Reform New Party, and Lee Jaemyung of the Democratic Party pose for a commemorative photo before the start of the 21st presidential election 1st candidate debate held on the 18th at SBS Prism Center Studio in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. 2025.5.18 [National Assembly Press Photographers Group]
Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group
photo@yna.co.kr (End)

Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, said in his opening remarks, "China is producing national leaders with backgrounds in science and engineering, and is surpassing us in the competition for science and technology," and added, "Unlike them, I myself have a background in science and engineering. To surpass China, we need not only an understanding of science and technology, but also capable leadership that can communicate freely with world leaders."

Finally, Lee Jaemyung, the candidate of the Democratic Party, stated, "Gwangju in 1980 saved Korea in 2024, and the rebellion we are experiencing today can also become an opportunity to save future generations." He continued, "This election is not about who becomes president, but about what kind of country we will become," emphasizing, "As a competent servant of the people, I will create a new and genuine government for the people."