Lee Jae-myung: "Debate with Yoon felt like talking to a wall... Respect for Ahn in his own way"

Lee Jae-myung Targets Yoon, "Was Flustered by Not Following Basic Rules"

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate (left), and Yoon Seok-youl, the People Power Party presidential candidate, are preparing for the debate at the first invited candidates' debate for the 20th presidential election, hosted by the National Election Commission Debate Commission, held on the afternoon of the 21st at the MBC Media Center Public Hall in Mapo-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, described his experience debating with Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, on TV on the 22nd as "feeling like talking to a wall."

On the same day, on KBS Radio's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strong Current Affairs,' Lee said, "Debate basically means presenting my arguments, listening to the opponent's opinions, and rebutting them, but not answering, postponing to answer later, or oddly asking others for their opinions?none of this was acceptable," expressing his frustration.

He continued, "They didn't keep time or basic rules, so I was somewhat taken aback," adding, "It was too disorderly, I would say. It was like that."

Lee also criticized Yoon, saying, "Candidate Yoon cannot distinguish between national infrastructure, investment in education and science technology, and corporate activities," and added, "How can government investment compete with companies? It is about building a foundation to enhance corporate competitiveness. I was worried about what kind of economic policy could be made like that."

Meanwhile, Lee expressed a favorable view of candidate Ahn. He evaluated, "Because he was once a leader I served under, I personally respect him."

Regarding Ahn's statement in the debate that "multi-party system is my conviction," Lee said, "Political change beyond regime change, era change, etc., aligns with what I have been saying," and added, "Since we hold a large number of seats, political reform can be done anytime if there is consensus."

However, when asked if he intended to form a unified government with candidate Ahn, he replied, "I did not specifically mention any candidate," and said, "There is no reason to exclude him, but if I openly proposed unification only to him, it would be burdensome."

Regarding Sim Sang-jung, the Justice Party presidential candidate, intensifying attacks against him, Lee said, "Candidate Sim is excessively harsh on the Democratic Party and overly lenient on the People Power Party," and criticized, "It was very surprising that she thinks support means only cash support. She does not understand that the economy is about flow."

He also commented on the public opinion favoring regime change exceeding 50%, saying, "If you ask whether it is regime change or maintenance, people tend to want change," and added, "If you ask whether they want bad regime change or real political change, more would answer political change."

Especially, Lee pointed out, "If President Moon Jae-in were running for re-election, that question (about regime change) would be valid, but I am Lee Jae-myung," and said, "Some policies are different, some things should be succeeded, but there are many additional things to add. This frame deliberately ignores those points."

Regarding his strategy to raise approval ratings in the future, Lee said, "Public sentiment is the will of heaven. I will clearly explain my political vision, values, achievements so far, and the proven capabilities within those achievements to the people, and ultimately, our people will choose the future, not the past."

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