Kim Moonsoo: "Lee Junseok, I hope you join us"
Kwon Youngguk: "Candidates only talk about investment and growth"
Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, assessed the first televised debate on the 18th by stating, "The lives of the people and the current situation in Korea are very difficult, but I believe we had a serious discussion about how to overcome these challenges."
After the 21st presidential election candidates' TV debate held at the public hall of SBS Prism Tower in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Lee told reporters, "For a better life for the people and a better Korea, I will continue to research and debate even more," expressing his commitment.
Cho Seungrae, chief spokesperson for the election campaign committee, said in a written briefing, "Through today's debate, Lee Jaemyung demonstrated both his 'ability to stably manage state affairs' that can normalize Korea in crisis, and 'leadership of unity' that embraces the entire nation." He added, "He clearly showed the qualities of a prepared candidate through inclusiveness, trustworthiness, and stability, and firmly impressed upon the public that Lee Jaemyung is the right person to create the 'real Korea.'"
On the 18th, presidential candidates from each political party pledged their efforts at the 21st Presidential Election Candidates Debate hosted by the National Election Broadcasting Debate Commission held at SBS Prism Tower in Mapo-gu, Seoul. From the left: Kim Moonsoo of the People Power Party, Kwon Youngguk of the Democratic Labor Party, Lee Junseok of the Reform New Party, and Lee Jaemyung of the Democratic Party of Korea. 2025.5.18 Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group
Lee Junseok: "Lee Jaemyung is unprepared... It is concerning"
In contrast, Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, said, "At this critical time of economic crisis, I believe Lee Jaemyung is not well prepared on the details. It is impossible to have a meaningful debate with him."
He specifically pointed out Lee Jaemyung's pledge to invest 100 trillion won in the AI industry, stating, "If you say you will spend such a large budget, you should logically explain where and how it will be used, but instead, he consistently gave vague answers and responded emotionally." He added, "Whenever a slightly difficult question or rebuttal comes up during the debate, he immediately tries to ridicule his opponent by calling it 'extreme,' but in fact, the person making the most extreme pledges is Lee Jaemyung himself."
Lee Junseok also commented, "When Lee Jaemyung is questioned, he asks, 'Why is that so extreme?' making it difficult to understand his strategy. Perhaps intoxicated by the post-martial law atmosphere, he seemed to speak about Korea's vision carelessly. It is concerning," he added.
Lee Junseok also criticized Lee Jaemyung's conduct during the debate. He said, "There was a moment when, dissatisfied with an SBS reporter, he abruptly interrupted and responded discourteously on the spot. We are asking questions as representatives of each party on matters the public is curious about, and such an attitude is problematic." He continued, "Although it is a catchphrase created by Lee Jaemyung, a situation lacking in courtesy occurred."
Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, is speaking at the 21st presidential election candidates debate hosted by the Central Election Broadcasting Debate Commission held at SBS Prism Tower in Mapo-gu, Seoul on May 18, 2025. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group
Kim Moonsoo: "Lee Junseok, I hope you join us"
Kim Moonsoo, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, said after the debate, "Lee Junseok is a former leader of our party, and I always hope he will join us." When asked about the possibility of unifying candidacies with Lee Junseok, Kim replied, "Of course, I think that's how it should be."
Kim continued, "There is nothing different between us in terms of party, policy, or political beliefs. It was only because of our mistakes that he ended up leaving and running separately, and I find that very regrettable."
When a reporter asked for the basis of Kim's statement that "nuclear power plants are safe even if an atomic bomb is dropped on them," he answered, "A few days ago at Doosan Heavy Industries, I asked what would happen if an atomic bomb of the Hiroshima or Nagasaki scale were dropped, and they said they had fully calculated the strength for such a scenario." In the earlier debate, Kim Moonsoo and Lee Jaemyung had expressed opposing views on nuclear power plants.
Regarding his strategy for the third political debate scheduled for the 27th, Kim said, "There is so much to discuss in the political field. No matter what the topic is, I am confident we can have a heated debate."
On the 18th, at the SBS Prism Tower in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Kim Moonsoo, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, was speaking at the 21st presidential election candidate debate hosted by the National Election Commission Debate Committee, while Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, was observing. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group
Kwon Youngguk, the candidate of the Democratic Labor Party, stated, "I felt very lonely. Rather than talking about how difficult life is for workers and ordinary people, most of the discussion was about how to invest and grow." He added, "For workers, ordinary citizens, the underprivileged, and the socially marginalized, I will do everything I can as a progressive candidate in this presidential election."
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