Lee Jae Myung After Second TV Debate: "Regretful That Slander and Baseless Criticism Are Increasing"

"I Will Focus More on Policy Competition Myself"
"Debate Is Difficult When the Opponent's Intent Is Distorted"

Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, expressed his thoughts after the second televised presidential debate on May 23, saying, "As the debates go on, I find it unfortunate that there is an increasing amount of slander and baseless criticism rather than discussions about the nation's future vision."

Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is drinking water at the 2nd candidate debate for the 21st presidential election hosted by the National Election Commission, held at the KBS headquarters studio in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul on May 23, 2025. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers.

After finishing the second presidential debate on social issues, held at the KBS studio in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul on the same day, Lee told reporters, "Even so, I will focus even more on policy competition about how to improve our country's future and the lives of the people."

Lee said, "I have many shortcomings myself, but I sometimes feel that Korea's debate culture is still immature. In a debate, you should respect the other person's words and not distort them. If you jump to conclusions, distort, or change the premise to say something different from the other person's intent, it becomes very difficult to have a proper debate," he pointed out.

During the debate with Lee Junseok, the Reform New Party presidential candidate, Lee Jae Myung showed discomfort several times, including saying, "I hope you don't distort my words."

When asked to rate his own performance, Lee replied, "I try my best, but I am not fully satisfied."

Regarding the issue of health insurance premium increases, which was mentioned during the debate, Lee said, "I don't think I said that a health insurance premium increase is necessary." He added, "The economic situation is very difficult right now, so our top priority should be to wisely overcome this crisis. Under the current circumstances, it would be difficult to consider measures such as increasing the health insurance premium, which would increase the burden on the public, in the short term."