An "Let's make a public declaration of no political retaliation"... Yoon "If retaliation happens, will the people stand by?"

Lee "Obvious statement, wish Yoon would speak less"
Shim "Political retaliation is an act threatening democracy"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Naju-seok and Lee Myung-hwan] The presidential candidates from the four major parties agreed that there should be no political retaliation.

Ahn Cheol-soo, the presidential candidate of the People’s Party, said at the second presidential candidate debate hosted by the National Election Commission on the 25th, "Whoever becomes the next president, political retaliation must not happen," and asked the other candidates for their thoughts.

In response, candidate Lee said, "I completely agree," adding, "This is not about covering up crimes, but about not engaging in political retaliation by targeting specific sectors with planned investigations, magnifying minor issues, or fabricating problems after setting political goals. Such political retaliation must never happen." He continued, "Our political history has become unfortunate precisely because of political retaliation, and it would be really good if Yoon Seok-youl, the People Power Party’s presidential candidate, would refrain from talking about political retaliation so much."

Candidate Yoon said, "I have said there will be no retaliation," and added, "I have mentioned several times that if retaliation occurs, the people will not stand idly by." He further stated, "The country must be handled through a fair system."

Sim Sang-jung, the Justice Party’s presidential candidate, said, "I believe political retaliation is an act that threatens democracy," adding, "It is no different from attempting a kind of violent dictatorship outside the system of public verification, and such a president who violates the constitutional order will be punished by the people."

In response, candidate Ahn proposed, "I think we can make a public declaration to the people regarding political retaliation."

Candidate Lee said, "That is a very natural statement," while candidate Yoon asked, "It is a basic principle of liberal democracy, but is it necessary to make a declaration?"

Candidate Ahn replied, "I think a declaration is necessary," and stated, "Such unfortunate history must never be repeated again from this moment on, regardless of who becomes president."

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