South Korea’s presidential candidates was facing off in their first TV debate on Sunday evening, ahead of a snap election on June 3 to choose a successor to former President Yoon Suk-yeol who was impeached over his short-lived martial law declaration in December. The debate was the first of three TV debates scheduled over the next two weeks, focusing on how to revitalise the struggling economy, one of the hot-button election issues. Lee Jae-myung, the main opposition Democratic Party’s candidate and the front runner in the race, was under a flurry of questions in the heated, rapid-fire first debate. He advocated more investment in artificial intelligence, protection for unionised workers, a 4-1/2-day working week, and putting South Korea’s interests first in responding to US tariffs. Lee said there was no need for Seoul to rush to reach a trade agreement with Washington, stating, “I think we should prepare well for this situation delicately and competently.” He also argued that South Korea needs to nurture hi-tech and renewable energy industries to overcome low economic growth.
Lee Jae-myung, the main opposition Democratic Party’s candidate and the front runner in the race, was under a flurry of questions in the heated, rapid-fire first debate. He advocated more investment in artificial intelligence, protection for unionised workers, a 4-1/2-day working week, and putting South Korea’s interests first in responding to US tariffs. Lee said there was no need for Seoul to rush to reach a trade agreement with Washington, stating, “I think we should prepare well for this situation delicately and competently.” He also argued that South Korea needs to nurture hi-tech and renewable energy industries to overcome low economic growth. The debate was the first of three TV debates scheduled over the next two weeks, focusing on how to revitalise the struggling economy, one of the hot-button election issues. The candidates were vying for the chance to lead South Korea and address the challenges facing the nation.
As the debate continued, the candidates discussed various strategies for boosting the economy, with Lee Jae-myung emphasizing the importance of investing in artificial intelligence and renewable energy industries. He also highlighted the need to protect unionised workers and promote a shorter working week. The candidates debated fiercely, each trying to present their vision for the future of South Korea. While Lee Jae-myung remained confident in his proposals, other candidates also put forward their ideas on how to address the economic challenges facing the country. The TV debate provided voters with a glimpse into the candidates’ policies and priorities, setting the stage for a competitive and dynamic election campaign in the weeks leading up to the snap election on June 3.
