Lee Jae-myung, the candidate from the Democratic Party of Korea and a leading presidential contender, noted one of his key pledges is to achieve a "KOSPI index of 5000." In response, Han Dong-hoon, a candidate from the People Power Party, said, "There may be pros and cons to discussing numbers, but there is a desire to push the Korean stock market upward." Candidate Hong Joon-pyo remarked, "I hope such a ridiculous pledge is not made."

On the 25th, Hong Joon-pyo (left) and Han Dong-hoon participate in the People Power Party presidential primary '1-on-1 match debate,' engaging in a fierce discussion. /Courtesy of Channel A YouTube capture

During the "1-on-1 rival debate" of the People Power Party's presidential primary held on the 25th at Channel A studio in Jongno, Seoul, when asked, "Lee Jae-myung said he would achieve KOSPI 5000; can I do that too?" one candidate answered "O," while Hong Joon-pyo answered "△."

Han noted, "The issue is about goals; we need to activate the Korean stock market. There is a desire to push the stock market upward through stock price support measures."

Hong remarked, "How can we know if the KOSPI will reach 5000 or 10,000?" He added, "The reason the Korean stock market is undervalued is due to the 'Korea discount.' Once security concerns are resolved and the economy is stimulated, the stock market will be activated."

In response to the question about unifying with the candidate from the 'Reform Party' Lee Jun-seok, Hong said "O," while Han answered "△." Han added, "Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who is acting on behalf of the president, is someone we can fundamentally go along with," while also stating, "Of course, in this situation, we must unite with someone who does not have the People Power Party's color (referring to Lee Jun-seok)."

Hong responded, "Lee Jun-seok was a member of our party, so we cannot avoid working together once we get into the finals."

Regarding whether they would continue the morning doorstepping that former President Yoon Suk-yeol conducted, Hong said "X," while Han replied "O." While both candidates agreed on the necessity of regular communication with reporters, Han proposed the frequency as "often," whereas Hong suggested, "quarterly, four times a year in a free-talking format."