Kim Moon-soo and Ahn Cheol-soo, candidates for the People Power Party's presidential primary, exchanged words about former President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment on the 24th.
Candidate Ahn emphasized that a sincere public apology regarding the December 3 martial law incident and reform are necessary to overcome the 'river of impeachment' and win the presidential election. In contrast, candidate Kim raised the issue of responsibility of the 'pro-impeachment' camp, arguing that the early presidential election was triggered by former President Yoon's impeachment and that Lee Jae-myung, the candidate from the Democratic Party of Korea, is gaining popularity.
During the second primary 'one-on-one debate' held at Channel A Studio in Jongno-gu, Seoul, candidate Ahn stressed that the party must show a responsible stance and change in response to the martial law incident.
Candidate Ahn said, 'To overcome the river of impeachment and find the path to victory, one must first sincerely apologize to the people,' adding that 'a posture of apologizing and appealing to the public is necessary.'
In response, candidate Kim pointed out that candidate Ahn served as the head of the transition committee under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, arguing for the responsibility of the impeachment. He asked, 'Wouldn't it be better if the midwife of the Yoon Suk-yeol government told the president, if he did something wrong, 'That's not right,' and gathered party members to stop the impeachment?'
In response, candidate Ahn rebutted, 'Each member of the National Assembly is a constitutional body. They have the right to vote according to their conscience. I voted on the impeachment motion simply because it violated the constitutional provisions.'
Then candidate Kim acknowledged, 'I empathize,' but asserted that 'ever since former President Yoon was impeached, it feels as if Lee Jae-myung has set the table to become president,' claiming that 'the primary cause is that candidate Ahn impeached the president from his own party.' He also mentioned, 'Our party's president was impeached, and someone like Lee Jae-myung, who is facing criminal charges, is stirring the political landscape.'
In response, candidate Ahn identified the political power of former President Yoon as the fundamental cause of the political deadlock. He referenced President Barack Obama, noting that he successfully collaborated with an opposition party that controlled both houses of Congress, and said, 'If former President Yoon had invited opposition lawmakers, persuaded them properly, and demonstrated political power by asking for their cooperation, the situation could have been better than it is now. The martial law was the worst choice.'
Candidate Kim also expressed regret, saying, 'I find it unfortunate that we could not communicate well like President Obama,' and added, 'I cannot agree that this issue can be resolved through martial law or that it can solve the problem of election fraud.'
Ahn, who is 'a physician,' also pointed out the responsibility for the 'medical crisis' under the Yoon Suk-yeol government, asking, 'As a member of the cabinet, did you ever express any dissent to the president about the medical crisis?'
Kim, who served as the Minister of Employment and Labor at the time, responded, 'If possible, I suggested that we open a dialogue where we can sufficiently discuss the issues and reach an agreement,' adding, 'The opportunity to address medical issues was never given to the Ministry of Employment and Labor.'
There were also warm scenes regarding solutions to the 'conflict between medicine and politics' triggered by increasing medical school quotas.
When candidate Ahn asked about solutions to the issue of 'collapse in medical practice,' candidate Kim said, 'I believe that candidate Ahn knows the solutions better than anyone,' adding, 'We will listen to and respect the opinions of medical organizations in the field, including candidate Ahn, and work on finding solutions.'
Candidate Ahn emphasized, 'The most important thing is that doctors and representatives of patients come together to create a committee. The answer is to determine the number of doctors needed there.' In response, candidate Kim said, 'I think it's a good idea. If I become president, I will review it immediately and collaborate with candidate Ahn,' to which Ahn replied with a smile, 'I should be the one to do it.'