Presidential Candidates Debate Diplomacy and Reform in Final Televised Debate

Strategic Insights -

In the final televised debate before the South Korean presidential election, the four leading candidates - Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party (DP), Kwon Young-kook of the Democratic Labor Party, Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party (PPP), and Lee Jun-seok of the New Reform Party (NRP) - clashed over key issues such as diplomacy, political reform, and the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The debate, held by the National Election Commission, saw the candidates engaging in heated discussions on the South Korea-U.S. alliance, inter-Korean relations, and potential reforms to the country's constitution.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lee Jae-myung of the DP vowed to advance South Korea's diplomacy in a "pragmatic, comprehensive, and forward-looking" direction, emphasizing the importance of the South Korea-U.S. alliance while seeking peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
  • Kim Moon-soo of the PPP proposed a firmer approach in dealing with North Korea, criticizing the Kim Jong-un regime for threatening the people's lives and properties with nuclear and missile provocations.
  • Lee Jun-seok of the NRP suggested merging the foreign and unification ministries, creating a new deputy prime minister post overseeing security policy, and establishing a joint South Korean-U.S. facility dedicated to manufacturing shells.
  • Kwon Young-kook of the Democratic Labor Party vowed to reform the military by appointing a civilian defense minister and seeking active exchanges for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
  • The debate saw heated exchanges between Lee Jae-myung and Kim Moon-soo over former President Yoon's impeachment and botched martial law bid, with Kim defending the Constitutional Court's ruling.
  • The candidates also discussed potential reforms to the constitution, with Lee Jae-myung vowing to tighten the requirements for martial law imposition and strengthen basic rights, while Lee Jun-seok cited France's experience under President Emmanuel Macron.

Statistics:

  • Recent polls show that DP candidate Lee Jae-myung led the race, but the gap between Lee and PPP's Kim Moon-soo had narrowed this week.
  • Lee Jun-seok of the NRP has reached double-digit support in public opinion polls, but has ruled out merging his candidacy with Kim Moon-soo.

Sources:

  • Yonhap News Agency (27 May 2025)
  • National Election Commission
  • Public opinion polls (dates not specified)
  • French President Emmanuel Macron's government under French President Emmanuel Macron