Presidential candidates clash over economy in 1st TV debate
SEOUL, May 18 (Yonhap) -- Democratic Party (DP) presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung and his People Power Party (PPP) rival Kim Moon-soo sparred over strategies to revive South Korea's struggling economy and address trade challenges during their first televised debate ahead of the June 3 election.
Lee Jun-seok of the minor New Reform Party and Kwon Young-kook of the minor Democratic Labor Party also outlined their economic policies during the debate, hosted by the National Election Commission.
The upcoming election will choose a successor to former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached over a botched martial law attempt in December. Voters are placing top priority on addressing economic challenges amid volatile trade dynamics in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs.
During a debate focused on revitalizing the economy and trade strategies, candidates expressed differing views on the role of government and how to approach trade negotiations with Trump.
Lee of the DP said the government should take a more active role in stimulating domestic demand and nurturing new growth engines in key sectors, such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy and the culture industry.
"It is important to swiftly implement a supplementary budget within the possible range to revive the livelihoods of ordinary people and boost the domestic economy," said Lee, the front-runner who holds about 50 percent in recent opinion polls.
On trade, Lee indicated a cautious approach toward negotiations with the United States if elected, saying "There is no need for us to take the lead in rushing to conclude the negotiations early."
South Korea is one of the first countries that began trade talks with the U.S., but an upcoming presidential election in June is slowing progress in the ongoing negotiations.
In contrast, Kim of the PPP pledged to ease business regulations and increase incentives for companies, while also promising financial support for small merchants most affected by the economic downturn.
Underscoring the importance of South Korea's alliance with the U.S., Kim said he would seek to hold a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump as soon as taking office, if elected.
"The most important factor in negotiations with President Trump is trust. Only through mutual confidence can we strengthen the South Korea-U.S. alliance," Kim said.
Lee of the New Reform Party said he will approach the Trump administration in a "calm and strategic" manner, emphasizing that Seoul and Washington are allies with shared security and strategic interests.
Kwon of the Democratic Labor Party said he would stand firm against what he described as Trump's "predatory trade practices," asserting South Korea's economic sovereignty is not subject to negotiations.
The four candidates will hold two more televised debates on May 23 and May 27, respectively, before election day.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
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