Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, stated during the presidential candidate TV debate on the 27th that, regarding the mention of derogatory remarks about women's bodies, "When confronted with distorted sexual perceptions, one must take a responsible stance before the public."
On the morning of the 28th, Lee wrote on his Facebook, "During yesterday's TV debate, I asked two candidates?Lee Jaemyung of the Democratic Party of Korea and Kwon Youngguk of the Democratic Labor Party?who have consistently taken active stances on issues of gender discrimination and hate, about an unbelievably extreme statement made by someone online." He explained, "I wanted to hear their positions on this."
Lee continued, "Even though I refined the original expression as much as possible, considering that it was a public broadcast, both candidates either avoided evaluating the issue or deferred their answers." He added, "Through this scene, I once again could not help but point out the hypocrisy of the democratic and progressive camp, which frequently uses words like 'hate' or 'division,' yet remains silent or turns a blind eye to problems within their own ranks."
Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, is preparing for a political TV debate held at the MBC studio in Sangamdong, Mapogu, Seoul on the 27th. 2025.5.27 Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group
Previously, during the third TV debate held at the MBC studio in Sangamdong, Mapogu, Seoul on the previous day, Lee indirectly addressed the controversy surrounding Lee Jaemyung's son and questioned Kwon Youngguk of the Democratic Labor Party about matters related to a specific part of a woman's body.
In response, Kwon said, "I do not understand the intent of the question" and "I will not answer." Lee then pointed out, "Does the Democratic Labor Party not have any standards for such sexually violent remarks?" Kwon replied, "We set stricter standards than anyone else regarding sexual abuse." Lee also asked Lee Jaemyung, "Do you agree?" to which Lee Jaemyung responded, "Please ask your question while keeping to the allotted time and rules," thus avoiding a direct answer.
Lee stated, "I am convinced that candidates who cannot make a firm judgment about distorted sexual perceptions are not qualified."
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party's election committee pointed out regarding Lee Junseok's question, "This issue was raised by the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, but the identity of the commenter in question has not been revealed, and there is only speculation at this point."
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