Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, noted on the 23rd regarding the health insurance premium increase discussed as a funding solution for his pledge of 'nursing home care costs coverage' that "increasing premiums, which heightens the burden on citizens, seems difficult to consider in the short term." Instead, he stated that he would secure funding through restructuring existing expenditures.
The candidate remarked after finishing the second TV debate for the 21st presidential candidates organized by the Central Election Broadcasting Debate Commission that "it is difficult to focus on restructuring after reducing expenditures in the current situation." He also said, "I don't think I've ever said that an increase in health insurance premiums is necessary, as the current economic situation is too challenging," adding that "for now, I will do my best to wisely overcome the current crisis."
Earlier, the candidate engaged in a heated exchange with Lee Jun-seok, the Reform Party candidate, over health insurance premium issues during the debate. Lee Jun-seok pointed out that "the health insurance finances are projected to have a deficit of 30 trillion won by 2033," asserting that Lee Jae-myung's policy for 'nursing care cost benefits' would require an additional funding of approximately 15 trillion won, making an increase in health insurance premiums inevitable.
In response, Lee Jae-myung stated, "I think the assumption that everything will be covered is incorrect," while mentioning that "there is a need for adjustments regarding medical shopping or very minor treatments that could be received at all hospitals." He further said, "If we control that part, which has a lot of expenditures, we might achieve financial savings."
On the other hand, Lee Jun-seok reiterated that expenditure adjustments would only yield a maximum reduction of 3 trillion won, questioning, "What are the realistic financial measures? Didn't you just mention 15 trillion won?" Lee Jae-myung defended himself, stating, "The 15 trillion won figure is Lee Jun-seok's claim, and I said I would achieve part of that savings and do what is necessary within a reasonable range. It would be inappropriate to ask how we would secure 15 trillion won."
Lee Jun-seok criticized the candidate for evading the necessity of 'health insurance premium increases', stating that "talking about reductions while only offering more is reminiscent of Chávez, the populist president of Venezuela."