Democratic Party Debate, Lee Jae-myung Under Fire: "Bongi Kim Seondal" "Confused and Disorganized"

Lee Nak-yeon "Informal Speech to Residents" vs Lee Jae-myung "Distortion, This Is Negative Campaigning"

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] In the third TV debate held on the 11th among the Democratic Party presidential primary candidates, other candidates launched a barrage of attacks on Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung's pledges and positions on current issues. Former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon also pointed out past inappropriate remarks and behaviors, to which Governor Lee responded, saying, "This is what negativity really is." Having declared a halt to negative campaigning, Governor Lee showed relatively restrained behavior.

Governor Lee's pledge to supply 2.5 million housing units, including 1 million basic housing units, became a common target. Former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun asked, "You said you would supply 1 million basic housing units in good locations such as station areas, but since these are private land sites, how do you plan to develop land ten times the size of Bundang?"

Governor Lee replied, "This is not about developing existing station areas, but installing stations when large-scale land development occurs. Sale apartments are placed near stations, and rental apartments are allocated to the outskirts (this will be adjusted)."

Former Prime Minister Chung also said, "You mentioned building basic housing units of about 30 pyeong (approximately 99 square meters) at 300 million won per unit, which would cost 300 trillion won. Where will you source this money?" Governor Lee explained, "Among various sizes, there are 30-pyeong units. When new land is developed in Gyeonggi Province, the construction cost is about 10 million won per pyeong, sold at 20 million won, and market price forms at 30 million won. Using this as collateral, we will borrow through ABS (Asset-Backed Securities), funds, etc., to build and collect rent."

However, former Prime Minister Chung retorted, "This is like the words of Bong-i Kim Seon-dal (a legendary swindler). It's all bluff."

Assemblyman Park Yong-jin also criticized Governor Lee, saying, "There is no land to build 1 million basic housing units, and there is no plan for basic financing," adding, "People say Lee Jae-myung is confused and unstable, and that his basic income plan is clumsy." Governor Lee countered, "Those who want to do it find ways, while those who don't just make excuses."

Former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon asked Assemblyman Park, "Experts have expressed concerns about basic loans; please share your views," indirectly targeting Governor Lee. Assemblyman Park said, "It requires enormous funds, which are market funds, but guarantees must be backed by taxpayers' money. If defaults or insolvencies occur, it will inevitably cause huge economic turmoil. Without proper explanations, it sounds like a dream, just like other series of promises."

Former leader Lee also said, "You must be aware of concerns about your attitude toward the weak and citizens, Governor Lee. There were reports of physical altercations with evictees protesting, and power was cut off to disabled people. There were Twitter responses to critics that are unmentionable. Recently, your use of informal speech toward residents has also been widely discussed."

Governor Lee responded, "All of that is distorted and untrue. I was assaulted by evictees, and they were convicted. The video showing informal speech was edited and spliced. This is exactly negativity. I hope this stops."

Former Prime Minister Chung pointed out that Gyeonggi Province intends to provide disaster relief funds to everyone, contrary to government policy, saying, "You say you will inherit the Moon Jae-in administration, but insist on a different path, so people are even talking about 'regime change, Lee Jae-myung's first government,' aren't they?"

Governor Lee said, "Since we cannot provide funds to 12% of the population due to lack of money, local governments, including mayors, county heads, and provincial councils, have proposed giving funds to high taxpayers, so we are considering providing funds if possible." When former Prime Minister Chung said, "It is desirable to respect the agreement reached even with the president," Governor Lee replied, "That denies local autonomy."

Meanwhile, former Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae emphasized prosecutorial reform. She said, "There was the second trial of Professor Jeong Gyeong-sim's case, which was an attempt to derail the Moon Jae-in administration's prosecutorial reform through excessive prosecution and investigation by the prosecution. It was a very heartbreaking day," noting that over 100 assembly members supporting Governor Lee, former leader Lee, and former Prime Minister Chung were involved.

Former Minister Chu suggested to former leader Lee, "How about filing a bill tomorrow to separate prosecution and investigation by the prosecution and passing it in the regular National Assembly session?" Former leader Lee said, "I will consult on it, but for now, the party and government agreed to focus on stabilizing the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act that transfers cases except for six major crimes from the prosecution to the police."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.