Korean opposition party leadership candidates trade barbs in final debate

The final televised debate for the Democratic Party's leadership race saw a fierce exchange between candidates Song Young-gil, Jeong Cheong-rae, and Kim Min-seok. The candidates traded barbs over past political decisions and perceived betrayals, intensifying the competition ahead of crucial regional votes in Seoul and Gyeonggi.

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I apologize to the people. I presided over the State Council meeting that passed the leveraged ETF. It was an economic team matter, and I did not receive prior briefings.

Kim Min-seok criticized Jeong Cheong-rae's past remarks about temple entrance fees, calling them "money-grabbing" and comparing him to a "trickster." Kim questioned Jeong's apology to the Buddhist community and argued that his refusal to apologize for these remarks, especially in the context of the "ruined" 2022 presidential election, constituted betrayal. Jeong retorted by accusing Kim of having a "trauma" from defecting from the party in 2002 to support Roh Moo-hyun.

The debate also touched upon the controversial introduction of leveraged ETF products. Kim Min-seok, who presided over the State Council meeting that approved the product, apologized to the public but defended the decision, stating it was an economic team matter and he did not receive prior briefings. Jeong Cheong-rae criticized Kim's response as evasive and suggested accountability measures if necessary.

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Many ordinary investors have been hurt by leveraged ETFs. It is fortunate that Kim is now apologizing, albeit belatedly.

Song Young-gil and Jeong Cheong-rae also engaged in a "quiz battle" over President Lee Jae-myung's state agenda. Song questioned Jeong's knowledge of the administration's key tasks, pointing out Jeong's incorrect answer about the top priority being "settling internal rebellion" instead of constitutional inclusion of the May 18 Gwangju Uprising spirit. Jeong countered by questioning Song's focus on specific agenda items over broader principles.

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You ruined the last presidential election, why aren't you apologizing for that? Isn't that the real betrayal?

With the cumulative vote count showing Kim Min-seok slightly ahead of Jeong Cheong-rae, the outcome of the upcoming regional primaries in Honam and Seoul/Gyeonggi is expected to significantly influence the final results.

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You seem to have a lot of trauma from betraying former President Roh Moo-hyun and leaving the party in 2002. Trying to cover it up by talking about leaving the party won't work.