Yoon on 'Debate Uselessness'... Shin Ji-ye: "No Need If Approval Rating Is High"

"Low approval and weak candidates wanting debates is political grammar"
"Daejang-dong allegations and others are judicial issues, not debates"

Shin Ji-ye, Senior Vice Chairperson of the People Power Party's New Era Preparation Committee (center), is taking a commemorative photo at the welcoming ceremony for new recruits held on the 20th at the New Era Preparation Committee office in Yeouido, Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Ju-hyung] Shin Ji-ye, Senior Vice Chairperson of the People Power Party's New Era Preparation Committee, recently defended presidential candidate Yoon Seok-yeol, who has been promoting the 'uselessness of presidential debates,' saying, "People with high approval ratings do not necessarily engage in debates."

In an interview on the 29th with YTN Radio's 'Hwang Bo-seon's Start of the Morning,' Shin said, "I also hope they would debate confidently," but added, "Politically speaking, it is the norm that candidates with low approval ratings and some shortcomings keep pushing for debates."

She continued, "Those with high approval ratings don't really need to (debate)," adding, "(Such candidates) usually do not participate in debates." This was interpreted to mean that since candidate Yoon is leading in approval ratings over Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party, there is no need to accept debate requests.

She further explained, "Legally, there are about three debates required, so it seems all the legally mandated debates will be completed," and "There are various considerations regarding additional debates beyond that."

Shin emphasized, "According to candidate Yoon's remarks, issues like Daejang-dong and other allegations are not matters to be resolved through debates but should be contested legally and judicially," and added, "He also criticized why such issues, including those involving a candidate with four prior convictions, should be brought up in debate forums."

When the broadcaster asked, "Recent polls show that the support rates of the two major party candidates are neck and neck," Shin responded, "I also think it's time to have debates now."

Yoon Seok-yeol, People Power Party Presidential Candidate / Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, on the 28th, candidate Lee proposed weekly policy debates during his broadcast speech on MBC for the 20th presidential election, saying, "I respectfully request candidate Yoon of the People Power Party to hold weekly policy debates so that the public can watch and judge," and added, "It is the duty of candidates to show the public how their policies can solve the pressing issues facing our society and who has the capability to do so."

Presidential debates were introduced starting from the 15th presidential election. According to the current Public Official Election Act, candidates are required to attend at least three official debates organized by the Central Election Broadcasting Debate Commission. The three official debates are the minimum standard. Candidate Lee has proposed additional debates beyond the mandatory three.

However, candidate Yoon drew a line against Lee's proposal, saying, "It is difficult to debate with a candidate involved in serious crimes." At a Korea Broadcasting Journalists Club debate held at the Broadcasting Hall in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, Yoon said, "Is the Democratic Party candidate really in a position to debate endlessly with the opposition candidate about the nation's vision?" and added, "It is difficult to debate with a candidate who has confirmed serious criminal charges."

He continued, "It is hard to accept a candidate who, without any excuse, engages in debates beyond the agreed extent in front of the public," and criticized, "The attitude of trying to deflect by mixing in their own corruption and constantly changing policies is unacceptable."

Candidate Yoon also argued the 'uselessness of debates' in an interview with the economic YouTube channel 'Sampro TV' on the 25th. He said, "When debating, people attack and defend, making it difficult to properly explain their thoughts," and added, "It just ends up as a fight. From the public's perspective, in the process of selecting the highest decision-maker of the country's public government and verifying their way of thinking, policy debates don't seem very helpful."

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