Democratic Party: "Presidential TV Debate Filled with Smears and Hate Speech"

Criticism of Kim Moonsoo and Lee Junseok:
"Neglecting Policy, Insulting the People"

The Gwangju Election Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea strongly criticized candidates Kim Moonsoo and Lee Junseok on the 28th in relation to the third presidential candidate TV debate, stating, "Policy and vision have disappeared, leaving only low-level negativity."

On the 27th, the day the 21st presidential election candidate political TV debate was held, citizens watched the live broadcast of the debate in the Seoul Station concourse. Photo by Yonhap News

In a statement released that day, the Gwangju Election Committee’s public relations team declared, "The irresponsible and destructive remarks and actions of both candidates are an insult to the intelligence and common sense of the people," and added, "We strongly condemn them."

The public relations team asserted, "Candidate Kim Moonsoo fueled public confusion by repeatedly raising unsubstantiated suspicions of remittances to North Korea, framing Gyeonggi Province and Seongnam City as corrupt, and distorting claims about the revision of the Public Official Election Act without any evidence." They further stated, "He cited unreliable media reports as if they were facts to slander his opponent, making even his basic qualifications as a presidential candidate questionable."

Regarding candidate Lee Junseok, they said, "He committed verbal sexual violence that is difficult to even mention on a public broadcast debate," and added, "It is absolutely unacceptable that he used expressions on the level of street thugs during a TV debate watched by families." They went on to criticize, "He is a figure who should be expelled from politics."

The Gwangju Election Committee pointed out, "Both candidates neglected to present policies on overcoming national crises, healing divisions, or growth strategies, instead reducing the debate to a mudslinging match." They continued, "Spreading false information and inciting hatred is a grave insult to the people," and declared, "We will ensure victory in the presidential election to create a productive political culture."