[Breaking] Kim Moonsoo: "Were You Unaware of Illegal North Korea Remittance?"... Lee Jaemyung: "Prosecution's Baseless Indictment"

Kim Moonsoo, the presidential candidate from the People Power Party, criticized Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party candidate, regarding the trial over the North Korea remittance case during the first televised debate on the 18th, saying, "How can you revive the economy under such circumstances?" In response, Lee dismissed the accusation as a "baseless indictment by the prosecution."

During the economic policy debate for presidential candidates, hosted by the National Election Broadcasting Debate Commission at the SBS studio in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Kim referred to the fact that former Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor Lee Hwayoung was sentenced to seven years and eight months in prison on appeal for charges including illegal remittances to North Korea. Kim asked, "Is it possible for a vice governor to carry out North Korea-related projects without the governor's knowledge?"

In response, Lee said, "Of course, I was aware of the North Korea projects," and questioned, "But is it even possible that a private businessman secretly gave 10 billion won to North Korea on my behalf?"

When Kim reiterated his criticism, saying, "I have also worked on North Korea projects. How can you so flatly deny any involvement?" Lee countered, "Your close associates were punished for illegally raising political funds at Gyeonggi Province-affiliated organizations," adding, "You were acquitted on the grounds that you claimed not to know about it."

Kim responded, "That is a completely different issue. As you know, a vice governor cannot carry out North Korea projects without the governor's knowledge."

Citizens Watching the Presidential Candidate Debate Broadcast
(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Seo Daeyeon = On the 18th, citizens are watching the live broadcast of the 21st presidential election first candidate debate in the Seoul Station waiting room. 2025.5.18
dwise@yna.co.kr (End)