South Korea's leading presidential candidates hold first heated debate
May 19, 2025
Seoul [South Korea], May 19: South Korea's two leading presidential candidates, Lee Jae-myung and Kim Moon-soo, have held the first of three televised debates as the race intensifies to replace former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was removed in April over his contentious move to declare martial law late last year.
Yoon's ouster has stoked political turmoil in the nation, and a snap election is set for June 3.
During Sunday's heated debate, Lee, who is the main opposition Democratic Party's candidate and the frontrunner in the race, faced criticism about being too friendly towards China from his opponents, who cited his comments that South Korea does not need to get involved in China-Taiwan disputes.
But Lee, who considers pragmatism as key to his foreign policy, said the country "should not go all-in" on its alliance with traditional ally the United States and called for the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. Kim, candidate for the conservative People Power Party, vowed to create jobs and deregulate to foster businesses. Lee holds a lead with 51 percent support in the latest Gallup Korea poll released on Friday. (Agencies)
Source: Qatar Tribune
