Rival Hwang Ju-hong and Kim Seung-nam Debate Absence 'Dispute'

Hwang Ju-hong, Minshengdang candidate (left), and Kim Seung-nam, Democratic Party candidate

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[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seo Young-seo] The broadcast debate in the Goheung·Boseong·Jangheung·Gangjin district, considered one of the battlegrounds between the Democratic Party and the Minsheng Party in the Jeonnam region, has sparked heated disputes among candidates over the absence of participation.

The Minsheng Party Jeonnam Provincial Party strongly criticized Democratic Party preliminary candidate Kim Seung-nam's absence from the candidates' debate scheduled to be broadcast live on KBS from 10 p.m. on the 1st of next month, in a press release on the 21st.

The Minsheng Party Jeonnam Provincial Party stated, "The ruling party candidate's absence caused the debate itself to be canceled," and urged, "We expect a wise decision to participate in the debate immediately, even now."

Minsheng Party candidate Hwang Ju-hong argued, "The broadcast debate held before the election is an obligation for candidates to actively inform local residents about their policies and pledges, a process of verification for candidates, a realization of popular sovereignty, and the flower of the election, so candidates must participate."

Furthermore, he strongly criticized, "Due to COVID-19, face-to-face election campaigns are not possible, so the broadcast debate is an important first step in the election to inform voters about the candidates' policies," and added, "Ignoring the debate without any reason is a disrespect to local residents and a serious violation of democracy."

Democratic Party candidate Kim Seung-nam stated, "As it is the first day of the official election campaign, it is not a refusal of the broadcast debate but a time when I am busy preparing for the main election, such as submitting election posters and pledges, and I requested to postpone the timing," and added, "I will attend the MBC election broadcast debate hosted by the Election Commission later."

Meanwhile, in the Jeonnam Goheung·Boseong·Jangheung·Gangjin electoral district, Democratic Party candidate Kim Seung-nam, Minsheng Party candidate Hwang Ju-hong, National Revolutionary Dividend Party candidates Lee Jong-eok and Kwon Seong-geun, and independent candidate Kim Hwa-jin are currently running.

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