Candidate Lee Jae-myung is expected to deliver a message emphasizing the need to unite beyond ideological and factional divisions as a 'plan to overcome social conflicts and achieve integration.' At campaign events, he has repeatedly stressed unity, stating, "It is hard to make a living and the future is uncertain, so why are we divided and fighting like this? Aren't politicians the problem? Do the servants representing the people need to fight over whether they are red or blue, or from region A or region B?"

Candidate Kim views the debate as an opportunity to rebound in approval ratings. He plans to intensify criticism of candidate Lee Jae-myung's pledges on pension reform, climate crisis response, and basic society. Previously, candidate Lee emphasized his national pension reform pledge, which includes paying more and receiving more, as well as expanding military service credits. In addition, he plans to scrutinize candidate Lee's morality. Notably, Kim Yongtae, the emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, proposed a debate on presidential candidate spouses on the 20th, stating, "The social influence of the president's spouse is significant, but the verification is grossly insufficient," targeting the Democratic Party and candidate Lee Jae-myung. A People Power Party campaign official stated, "If we consider only the intensity of the offensive, it will be stronger than the first debate."

A Reform New Party official said in a phone call, "We expect candidate Lee Jae-myung to come up with a strategy attacking that he is 'politically dividing' and 'causing social conflict,'" signaling a counterattack strategy. The Reform New Party's strategy is to challenge the question, "Who is the real divider?" if political division is mentioned. They are also preparing to verify pledges among candidates related to major social issues such as pension and medical reform in preparation for a super-aged society, climate crisis response measures, and low birthrate problems. Following the first debate, it is also expected that they will continue the argument by pointing out that the so-called 'hotel economy theory' advocated by candidate Lee Jae-myung is fictitious. Candidate Lee Jun-seok criticized in the first debate, "Is it an infinite power where money does not disappear?" Candidate Lee Jae-myung also countered by asserting the validity of his hotel economy theory during this week's field campaign.