“As you know, candidate Lee Jae-myung is trying to forcibly admit his older brother, his biological brother, to a mental hospital as the mayor of Seongnam. Isn’t that the reason for the argument and the cursing with his sister-in-law? How can someone who can't even manage their family unite the country?” (Kim Moon-soo, People Power Party presidential candidate)
“Candidate Kim has no right to say such things. This is a private matter within our family. If we are to discuss it, isn’t he the one who is abusing his power? What does he mean by calling that firefighter and saying, ‘I am Kim Moon-soo’? We shouldn’t abuse power,” said Lee Jae-myung, Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate.
The second candidate debate for the 21st presidential election held on the 23rd at the KBS main building studio in Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, began with fierce negative campaigning.
In the institutional sector policy issues, candidates clashed sharply on topics such as allegations of election fraud, ties to extremist groups, and policies on pensions, healthcare, and climate.
◇ Allegations of election fraud also emerged… Kim remained silent on ‘disconnection with Yoon and Jeon Gwang-hoon’
Candidate Lee Jae-myung, who received criticism for taking a passive, defensive stance in the first debate on the 18th, pressured candidate Kim Moon-soo, saying, “You continue to defend the insurrectionist, former President Yoon Seok-youl. Do you have any thoughts of cutting ties? And do you have any intention to disconnect from extremist groups such as Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon?”
Candidate Kim avoided giving a direct answer. He retaliated, saying, “Candidate Lee Jae-myung formed an alliance with the Progressive Party and managed to elect a member of the National Assembly in Ulsan North District. Isn’t the Progressive Party a direct descendant of the Unified Progressive Party? That is insurrection. Who did the People Power Party ally with to share seats?” Candidate Lee then pressed, “From your avoidance of the question, it seems you have no intention to sever ties at all.”
Allegations of election fraud also emerged. Kwon Young-guk, the candidate of the Democratic Labor Party, criticized, “Yoon Seok-youl, who should be in prison, is enjoying a documentary on election fraud while strolling around. Moreover, candidate Kim seems to enjoy watching movies and meeting many people. Isn’t that a bit absurd?”
Candidate Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party pointed out, “The discourse on election fraud is extremely dangerous, and under the pretext of clarifying it, a serious mistake leading to martial law was committed.” Candidate Lee Jae-myung also remarked, “If it’s election fraud, why were you elected? Let’s speak rationally.”
◇ Debate between Lee Jun-seok and Lee Jae-myung over securing 15 trillion won
Regarding the issues related to the national pension, there was a general agreement on the need for structural reform. Candidate Lee Jun-seok emphasized, “This is a fake reform, changing only the figures without touching the structure, which burdens young people with nearly 50 million won for a lifetime, while allowing the older generation to take more through behind-the-scenes agreements. I have already proposed a phased healthcare reform plan aimed at separating new and existing pensions and restoring trust.”
Candidate Kim Moon-soo also promised, “I will immediately initiate the second structural reform, ensuring that young people are well represented in the process so that the reform does not disadvantage them.”
Candidate Lee Jae-myung stated, “We have finally implemented a reform called ‘support reform’ after 18 years. We must acknowledge that some things have improved compared to before.” He continued, “Now we need structural reform. We need to adjust basic pensions, the national pension, and retirement pensions.”
Rough exchanges also continued between candidates Lee Jae-myung and Lee Jun-seok regarding healthcare finances.
Candidate Lee Jun-seok referenced Lee Jae-myung’s pledge to enhance the assurance for caregiving costs, asking, “If an additional benefit of about 15 trillion won is included, how will we secure that funding?”
In response, candidate Lee Jae-myung cited ‘medical shopping’ as an example, suggesting, “There might need to be some adjustments in the degree to which people visit different hospitals without limits, particularly when they can get treated at a single hospital for mild and simple conditions. I believe that controlling that aspect could lead to considerable financial savings.”
Candidate Lee Jun-seok reiterated, “You are suggesting that we can save about 2 to 3 trillion won. But aren’t you claiming it to be 15 trillion won?” Candidate Lee Jae-myung replied, “It seems to be a characteristic of candidate Lee Jun-seok to premise statements on things the other party didn’t even say. The 15 trillion won claim is yours.”
The two also clashed earlier over the consolidation of the conservative parties. Candidate Lee Jae-myung pointedly asked candidate Lee Jun-seok, “It seems there were proposals from the People Power Party suggesting they would grant you party leadership or appoint you as prime minister. Will you consider uniting with a candidate from insurrectionist forces?”
Candidate Lee Jun-seok stated, “I have never expressed interest in unification with the People Power Party, not even once,” asserting, “Candidate Lee Jae-myung is simply fearful in his own delusions. He came out not to address major policy questions, but to fulfill his own curiosities.”
◇ Lee states that ‘renewable energy is the trend,’ while Kim notes ‘RE100 is impossible’
Regarding energy policy, candidates Lee Jae-myung and Kim Moon-soo engaged in a clash over the use of nuclear power. Candidate Lee stated, “The ‘RE100 (an international campaign to ensure that corporations source 100% of their energy from renewable sources by 2050)’ is becoming an international standard, and our industrial policy must swiftly transition to renewable energy.”
Candidate Kim remarked, “While ‘RE100’ is a catchy slogan, it’s essentially impossible.”
He added, “The least harmful energy in terms of greenhouse gas emissions is nuclear power, and the cost of nuclear power is 50 to 60 won per kilowatt hour. On the other hand, renewable energy costs up to 300 won per kilowatt hour. Given the increased electricity demands from air conditioning during this heat wave and the rising demand for electricity due to AI usage, preparing low-cost, reliable, and clean nuclear power is crucial to our national energy strategy.”
Candidate Lee Jun-seok stated, “The disaster response policy initiated by the president after being moved by watching a disaster movie led to the replacement of farmland and forests with solar panels. Meanwhile, the activists profited from solar subsidies and faced legal actions later. Environmentally driven political correctness lacking scientific evidence distorts national policy and harms the public.”
Candidate Kwon Young-guk stated, “We will end the coal and fossil fuel era and open a new era of renewable energy led by the public.”
On the 27th, the third TV debate among the presidential candidates will take place, focusing on political issues.
Each candidate is expected to engage in even fiercer exchanges regarding issues such as responsibility for insurrection incidents, reforms in the National Assembly and executive branch, and foreign and security policies.