When Will the Final Debate on Election Fraud Be? Hwang Kyo-ahn Says "February 14" vs. Lee Jun-seok Demands "Answer by Today"

Former Prime Minister Hwang Invites Foreign Journalists to Press Center on February 14
Lee Proposes Debate Anytime, Says No Need for a Revival Meeting

Picket protesting election fraud near the Hannam-dong residence. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

Amid ongoing claims of election fraud from some quarters, a decisive debate on election fraud between former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, who has been at the forefront of these allegations, and Lee Jun-seok, a member of the Reform New Party opposing such claims, has yet to be arranged. Both parties have expressed willingness to debate, but disagreements over the format have prevented progress. Previously, former Prime Minister Hwang stated, "Lee Jun-seok, who denies election fraud, should come to the Press Center at 2:30 p.m. on February 14," adding, "Foreign journalists have also agreed to attend." In response, Lee said, "Instead of accepting the debate proposal, they suggest coming to their revival meeting. Why refuse a debate?" and added, "It would be simple to designate a broadcasting station, request it, and hold the debate."

On the 26th, Lee also posted on his Facebook, "There are many requests from broadcasting stations. If former Representative Hwang agrees, they say they can schedule a program immediately," and said, "Whether it is a one-on-one debate or with several like-minded people, it does not matter. Let's have a final debate between Lee Jun-seok and former Representative Hwang on the 'election fraud' claims he firmly believes in."

Lee stated, "I do not trust the election fraud conspiracy theory at all." He explained, "Humans are fallible beings (Homo Insapiens), so there can be mistakes in the voting and counting process, and some elections may be poorly managed. However, I do not believe that 21st-century South Korea is so immoral or that its government system is so critically broken that it would systematically commit fraud or manipulate results." He added, "Regardless of my beliefs, I am fully willing to debate with those who hold different opinions," and emphasized, "If it is proven that my belief is wrong, I am also prepared to accept the claims of election fraud. So let's keep all possibilities open and debate."

Lee said, "Isn't this a golden opportunity for former Representative Hwang's election fraud claims to form a broad national consensus rather than being a matter of blind faith? I cannot wait indefinitely, so I will set a deadline and wait until 6 p.m. on the 27th." He continued, "If the debate is ultimately avoided, I will assume that former Representative Hwang's election fraud claims are not based on any evidence but are a misguided expression of pride trying to cover up the crushing defeat in the general election during his tenure as party leader."

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