Busan candidates trade barbs in fiery debate, even after microphones off

The first televised debate for the Busan North Gap parliamentary by-election on March 28 quickly devolved into a fiery exchange between the three candidates, with the verbal sparring continuing even after their microphones were turned off.

Democratic Party candidate Ha Jeong-woo initiated the confrontation by framing the election as a choice between a candidate endorsed by President Lee Jae-myung and a candidate nostalgic for the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. He also characterized independent candidate Han Dong-hoon as a "Gangnam person" out of touch with ordinary people's lives.

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This election is a choice between a candidate endorsed by President Lee Jae-myung and Jeon Jae-soo, the Democratic Party's Busan mayoral candidate, and a candidate who misses the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, or a Gangnam person who knows nothing of the lives of the common people and only shouts for conservative restoration.

People Power Party candidate Park Min-sik targeted Han Dong-hoon, dismissing him as a "pop-up" candidate who lacks credibility. Han, in turn, criticized both Park and Ha, suggesting that 20 years of their representation had led to the current state of the district, calling for "AS" for the "lost 20 years."

Much of the debate's tension centered on Han Dong-hoon, who has seen a recent rise in opinion polls. Ha Jeong-woo questioned Han's decision to appoint former lawmaker Jeong Hyung-geun, described as a pioneer of "color politics" and a "political prosecutor," as his campaign's honorary chairman. Han defended the move, stating it demonstrated inclusivity for those who agree with his vision for conservative reconstruction. Ha also criticized Han's views on human rights, questioning his opposition to a "rebellion" by Yoon Suk-yeol.

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Residents do not believe the words of a month-long 'pop-up' candidate who claims to be desperate to develop Buk-gu.

The candidates also clashed over sensitive political issues. Han pressed Ha on whether he supported the withdrawal of indictments, a move proposed by the Democratic Party. Ha deflected the question, asking if the setting was a prosecutor's interrogation room. When Han asked who the "main enemy" of South Korea was, Ha pointed to North Korea as stated in the defense white paper.

Park Min-sik focused his attacks on Han's past role as a prosecutor in the Park Geun-hye corruption trial, questioning his sentencing. Han expressed personal regret to the former president. The exchange grew more personal when Han asked Park who he would prefer to see win between himself and Ha; Park confidently stated, "Park Min-sik will win."

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The results of Park Min-sik's re-election and Ha Jeong-woo's succession of Jeon Jae-soo's third term – 20 years of results – is the current state. We need AS for the 'lost 20 years.'

Further friction arose when Ha questioned Han about the "party member bulletin board incident" that led to Han's expulsion from his previous party. Han reacted with disbelief, while Park emphasized the incident's damage to the conservative base.

In their closing remarks, the candidates continued their attacks. Han warned that votes for Park would be wasted or help Ha and President Lee Jae-myung, urging voters to prevent the "reckless advance" of the Lee administration. Park highlighted his experience as a former minister and his commitment to serving the district for three terms. Ha pledged to bring government budgets, policies, and projects to the district, forming an "invincible fleet" with President Lee and Jeon Jae-soo.

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You appointed someone who is the originator of 'color politics' and a 'political prosecutor' as your honorary campaign chairman.