Clashes Over Yoon’s Arrest, Dialogue With Jeong Cheongrae, and Far-Right Controversy... People Power Party Leadership Debate Divided Into Pro- and Anti-Impeachment Factions

People Power Party leadership candidates clashed over issues ranging from the arrest of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, dialogue with Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheongrae, and controversies over far-right politics. The candidates were sharply divided into pro-impeachment and anti-impeachment factions, each presenting conflicting arguments.

Former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moonsoo, and lawmakers Jang Donghyuk, Cho Kyungtae, and Ahn Cheolsoo attended the People Power Party leadership candidate televised debate held at the Channel A studio in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of August 10.

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The candidates showed differing perspectives even in their assessments of former President Yoon's declaration of martial law. Former Minister Kim stated, "I'm not saying the declaration of martial law was commendable, but it was the Democratic Party that provoked it, and that was wrong," adding, "The declaration of martial law was an unavoidable exercise of emergency powers by the president." He continued, "Did anyone get hurt or was there any incident as a result of martial law?" and emphasized, "Martial law did not destroy liberal democracy."

In contrast, lawmaker Cho criticized President Yoon as "a traitor of the highest order who pointed guns at the people." He argued, "Even if the opposition made things difficult, it should have been resolved through political means," and pointed out, "By declaring martial law, he unsettled the public and damaged the nation's dignity."

The candidates were also split over the special prosecutor's attempt to arrest former President Yoon Suk-yeol.

Former Minister Kim said, "Former President Yoon was injured and hospitalized during the forced attempt to arrest him," and criticized, "The very fact that there are reports about him undressing or lying down in prison constitutes a violation of human rights."

Lawmaker Jang also stated, "Even if the arrest or detention warrant was issued by the court, I believe human rights must be guaranteed," adding, "There is no precedent for briefing all these details, and I believe that itself is a violation of human rights."

On the other hand, lawmaker Ahn responded, "As a former president, it is more appropriate to maintain dignity and cooperate," and added, "That is what upholds the rule of law, which is the core value of conservatism."

Lawmaker Cho also argued, "The public must have been deeply disappointed to see a president behaving worse than a gangster," and added, "He was the one who asked for air conditioning because of the heat. He can be investigated comfortably in an air-conditioned room."

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The candidates were also divided in their responses to the question of whether they would recognize Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheongrae as a dialogue partner.

Former Minister Kim argued, "It is impossible to have a dialogue with Representative Jeong, who is a far-left terrorist," and insisted, "This is not a matter of dialogue; he needs to be replaced." Lawmaker Jang said, "In principle, recognizing Representative Jeong as a dialogue partner is an illusion," and added, "To negotiate with a large ruling party, there must be a balance of power." He continued, "Negotiations are only possible when our party's approval rating rises and we can properly keep the Democratic Party in check."

In contrast, lawmaker Ahn, who held up an 'O' sign indicating dialogue should take place, said, "Although Representative Jeong has made statements far removed from parliamentary tradition and even dictatorial, we must still engage in dialogue," and added, "Having served as party leader four times, I am confident I can outmatch the inexperienced Representative Jeong." Lawmaker Cho also emphasized, "If politicians cannot recognize each other, it only makes things difficult and unsettling for the public," and added, "Even though the People Power Party is a minority opposition, it can become a strong opposition with public support. Bipartisan cooperation is necessary to stabilize people's livelihoods."

During the debate, the candidates also clashed over 'far-right controversies.' Lawmaker Cho said, "The far-right is about false propaganda and violence. Those who spread conspiracy theories about rigged elections and mobilize the military to rule by force are the far-right," and questioned former Minister Kim's position.

In response, former Minister Kim said, "People like Democratic Party's Jeong Cheongrae are far-left. Breaking down the front door of an embassy and forcing the ambassador and his wife to flee in their pajamas is the act of a far-left terrorist," and asked, "Where is the far-right in the People Power Party? Who is the far-right?"

Candidate Cho stated, "I believe supporting 'Yoon Again' is far-right." In response, candidate Kim replied, "The far-right label is just a tag or frame that the far-left uses to brand those who oppose them or the People Power Party. There are no far-right elements in the People Power Party."

Candidate Cho reiterated, "Defending martial law that ignores the constitution and involves illegal acts is a far-right idea and the behavior of far-right forces," to which candidate Kim clarified, "I have never defended martial law."

Lawmaker Jang also pressed lawmaker Ahn, asking, "Why do you call me far-right?" Candidate Ahn responded, "It was a warning regarding your association with Jeon Hangil, the Korean history instructor."

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