Lee Jaemyung: "The Rebellion Must Be Judged"
Kim Moonsoo: "Was Everything Fake Until Now?"
Lee Junseok: "A Generational Shift Is Needed"
Kwon Youngguk: "A World of Injustice and Corruption"
The main candidates for the 21st presidential election clashed fiercely from the very beginning of the second TV debate, which was hosted by the National Election Commission on May 23. Although the debate was presented under the theme of overcoming social conflict and achieving integration, the discussion quickly turned into attacks on rival candidates.
On the 23rd, presidential candidates posed for a commemorative photo before the 2nd candidate debate for the 21st presidential election, hosted by the National Election Broadcasting Debate Commission, held at the KBS headquarters studio in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. From the left, Lee Jaemyung of the Democratic Party, Kim Moonsu of the People Power Party, Lee Junseok of the Reform New Party, and Kwon Youngguk of the Democratic Labor Party. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group
Kim Moonsoo, the candidate from the People Power Party, immediately targeted Lee Jaemyung of the Democratic Party, saying, "If you want to achieve national unity, shouldn't you start with unity in your own family?" He continued, "As the mayor of Seongnam, you tried to have your brother forcibly admitted to a psychiatric hospital, which led to arguments and foul language with your sister-in-law. Isn't that what happened?" By raising these points, he questioned Lee's morality.
In response, Lee countered, "Candidate Kim is in no position to make such remarks. If you want to talk about faults, didn't you yourself abuse your power?" He added, "You called a firefighter and said, 'This is Kim Moonsoo. So what are you going to do about it?'"
Lee then pressed Kim further, saying, "You continue to defend former President Yoon Sukyeol, the ringleader of the rebellion. Do you have any intention of severing ties with him?" He also asked, "I want to know if you have any intention of cutting ties with far-right forces like Jeon Gwanghun."
Kim responded, "Let me ask you instead. Didn't the Democratic Party form an alliance with the Progressive Party, which is the successor to the Unified Progressive Party, and give up parliamentary seats? The Democratic Party should first reflect on itself regarding which forces it has formed alliances with and how, before questioning others."
Lee replied, "Your evasive answers make it clear that you have no intention of breaking with former President Yoon or the far-right forces." He added, "Judging from your past remarks, you continue to defend rebel and far-right forces. When Pastor Jeon Gwanghun was imprisoned, you even shed tears. It is truly regrettable that you have not been able to break away from such ties."
Kwon Youngguk, the candidate from the Democratic Labor Party, also criticized Kim, saying, "Yoon Sukyeol, who should be in prison, is freely walking the streets enjoying documentaries about election fraud conspiracy theories, and Candidate Kim is cheering him on by saying, 'Isn't it good to meet a lot of people?' I am dumbfounded and outraged. How can you talk about unity in a world dominated by such division and injustice?"
Lee Jaemyung put strong pressure on Lee Junseok of the Reform New Party regarding the possibility of unifying candidacies with Kim Moonsoo of the People Power Party. Lee Junseok responded, "I have no intention of joining forces with those who staged a rebellion and imposed martial law," and added, "Those who orchestrate reckless handouts should also be criticized," targeting both Kim Moonsoo and Lee Jaemyung individually.
Lee Junseok particularly argued, "Candidate Lee Jaemyung is obsessed with this idea in his own delusions. Without a single exception, I have repeatedly said I am not interested in unifying with the People Power Party." He added, "Candidate Lee Jaemyung has only convinced the public that he holds a narrow-minded perspective."
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