5 Experts Positively Evaluate "Policy-Centered Debate"... Each Candidate Lacks Depth

Yoon Seok-yeol "Beyond Expectations" vs "Lack of Knowledge"
Lee Jae-myung "Led the Debate" vs "Held Back"
Ahn Cheol-soo "Only Talked About Himself" vs "Showed Insight"
Sim Sang-jung "Sharp" vs "Lacked Clarity"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Five experts interviewed by this publication on the 4th mostly gave positive evaluations, describing it as a ‘policy and pledge-centered debate.’ Professor Park Sang-byeong of Inha University Graduate School of Policy said, "It was a much healthier policy debate than expected," and added, "Although there was no clear ‘knockout blow’ or political bickering, it allowed voters to recognize the differences in positions among the candidates." However, some expressed regret about the depth of policy discussions. Lee Kwang-jae, Secretary General of the Manifesto Practice Headquarters, evaluated, "Since the policy pledge book was not published, the debate lacked in-depth verification of policies, such as delving into figures as in the past."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Evaluations of each candidate varied. Regarding Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, the general consensus was that he ‘took the lead in the debate.’ Political commentator Choi Young-il said, "It is certain that he led the debate overall," but analyzed, "However, amid various controversies including suspicions about his spouse Kim Hye-kyung, he appeared cautious and unable to show composure." On the other hand, Professor Park Sang-chul of Kyonggi University Graduate School of Political Studies diagnosed, "Although he was in a situation where he had much to lose, he lost almost nothing," and added, "This was because he showed stability in his answers on issues such as energy transition."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding Yoon Seok-youl, the People Power Party presidential candidate, many said he ‘exceeded expectations’ but still showed shortcomings in qualifications. Professor Park Sang-chul said, "He was prepared to engage in policy debate but showed a lack of knowledge as a presidential candidate," pointing out, "It is problematic that he did not know terms like ‘RE100,’ and he failed to show policy concreteness by answering ‘I will do it if I come to power’ on issues." Conversely, political commentator Lee Jong-hoon evaluated, "During the primary TV debates, he often failed to answer properly or asked for questions to be repeated, but now he seems well-learned on major issues," adding, "He showed much improvement compared to what was expected."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding Ahn Cheol-soo, the People’s Party presidential candidate, the general evaluation was ‘disappointing.’ Commentator Choi said, "Unlike past TV debates, he appeared plain and made no mistakes but was nervous and mostly talked about himself," while diagnosing, "However, his insight stood out in areas such as weapons systems." However, Professor Park Sang-byeong of Inha University Graduate School of Policy gave a positive evaluation, saying, "He stood out in proposing new agendas such as pension reform."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Evaluations of Sim Sang-jung, the Justice Party presidential candidate, were also divided. While all agreed that she played the role of a ‘spice’ in the debate with sharp questions, opinions differed on the clarity of her policies. Commentator Choi said, "Candidate Sim delivered direct hits with sharp questions to candidates Yoon and Lee," and added, "I think she performed well in terms of enhancing her presence." However, Professor Park Sang-byeong pointed out, "Although Candidate Sim has extensive political experience, her agenda was not as clearly presented as expected."

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