Pension Reform Agreement 'Unusual Scene' Unfolds in Presidential Candidate Debate… Ahn "Let's All Promise Pension Reform"

Terrestrial Broadcasters' Presidential Candidates Debate

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Naju-seok and Lee Ki-min] A remarkable scene unfolded during the presidential candidate debate where the candidates from the four major parties united in their intention to pursue ‘pension reform.’ The presidential candidates promised that whoever becomes president will undertake ‘pension reform.’

On the 3rd, during a joint presidential candidate debate hosted by the three major terrestrial broadcasters, Ahn Cheol-soo, the presidential candidate of the People’s Party, asked Yoon Seok-youl of the People Power Party, Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party, and Sim Sang-jung of the Justice Party, "Don’t you intend to carry out pension reform?"

In response, candidate Yoon said, "Pension reform must be done. It is a complex issue and takes time, so it is risky to create and announce it as a short-term pledge during the presidential campaign," adding, "It requires public consensus and bipartisan agreement." When Ahn pressed him again for his stance, Yoon said, "I think it is worth listening to Ahn’s opinion during the process of public consensus."

Candidate Lee said, "I agree with carrying out pension reform."

Then Ahn proposed, "How about jointly declaring that we will carry out national pension reform even if we become president?" Lee responded, "That’s a good idea," Yoon said, "It cannot be avoided," and candidate Sim answered with a smile.

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