During their first televised debate hosted by election watchdog National Election Commission last Sunday, Kim Moon-soo of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), Lee Jae-myung of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), Lee Jun-seok of the minor centrist Reform Party, and Kwon Young-kook of the minor progressive Democratic Labor Party debated a wide range of topics with a focus on economic issues.
Discussions included responses to the U.S.' sweeping tariff policy, the extension of the retirement age amid an aging population, a reduction in the workweek, the development of nuclear energy and other natural resources, and the fostering of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced industries.
But they clashed on most issues and criticized each other over differing views, rather than presenting policies with future vision and clear objectives.
They are scheduled to meet again this Friday to discuss social policies before wrapping up their series of debates slated for next Tuesday, which will focus on political issues.
Meanwhile, two independent candidates – former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn and businessman-turned politician Song Jin-ho – are scheduled to hold their own separate debate on Monday night.
The June 3 snap election comes after the Constitutional Court of Korea's ruling early last month to impeach disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched martial law debacle late last year.
reporter
Im Yoon-seo
lyseo0330@ajupress.com
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