Lee Jae-myung "Debate as Desired... Withdraws Request for Topic Segmentation" (Update)

Lee-Yoon One-on-One Debate Practical Negotiations Stalled… Lee "Asked to Withdraw Demand for Host Allocation to Make Debate Happen"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, proposed on the 30th to have a one-on-one debate "without topics or materials, just as desired." This decision came as the practical negotiations between the two parties on the debate reached an impasse. On the same day, the negotiation teams from both sides discussed the debate format for about an hour but failed to find common ground.

Lee stated this through his social media (SNS) on the day, saying, "I asked to withdraw the demand for topic segmentation to make the debate happen."

Earlier, the Democratic Party suggested splitting the topics into 2 to 3 parts for the one-on-one debate scheduled on the 31st and addressing any insufficient parts in an additional debate on the 7th or 8th of next month. Former lawmaker Kim Seong-su from the Democratic Party explained in the morning negotiation closing remarks, "We want to divide the debate topics into at least three areas if possible, and if insufficient, have a second or a series of debates." However, regarding bringing in materials, he also said, "I hope it proceeds without any materials."

On the other hand, the People Power Party demanded the removal of partitions. They argued that the candidates from both parties should be able to freely discuss the topics that the public wants to hear. Seong Il-dong, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, said, "We cannot accept dividing topics with partitions," adding, "Candidates should comfortably and deeply address all national issues." He further added, "It is appropriate for candidates to bring notes that organize their thoughts (to the debate venue)."

Meanwhile, regarding the Central Election Commission's interpretation that it cannot broadcast the one-on-one debate between presidential candidates, the People Power Party criticized it as "illegal election interference aimed at creating an election environment favorable to candidate Lee." They pointed out, "Blocking live broadcasts and relay broadcasts by broadcasters, as well as recorded broadcasts and even full uploads on YouTube, is telling the public not to watch the one-on-one debate." The day before, the Election Commission issued an interpretation stating that any form of broadcast relay of the one-on-one debate between candidates Lee Jae-myung and Yoon Seok-youl is impossible.

However, Kwon Young-se, head of the People Power Party's election campaign headquarters, told reporters asking about future plans, "We will first upload the one-on-one debate content on YouTube, and then continue to negotiate with the Democratic Party and broadcasters to have broadcasters relay the content overall."

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