Democratic Party Leadership Candidates Voice Opposition to Opening Livestock Market in Korea-U.S. Tariff Negotiation

On the 27th, during the second round of leadership candidate debates held at KBS, Representatives Jeong Cheong-rae and Park Chan-dae, who are running for the leadership of the Democratic Party, jointly expressed their opposition to the United States' demands for increased beef imports.

The two candidates emphasized that allowing the importation of beef from cattle over 30 months old could significantly harm domestic livestock farmers.

Representative Jeong Cheong-rae pointed out, "The U.S. is demanding that we allow imports of beef from cattle over 30 months old, while we only import beef from cattle under 30 months old. This is extremely unfavorable for farmers and livestock producers." He further stressed, "I hope this part will be maintained under the Lee Jae-myung government."

Representative Park Chan-dae shared a similar view, explaining, "The 30-month age limit touches on the public's sentiments related to mad cow disease."

He added, "While we will conduct diplomatic negotiations for national interests, it is extremely important to consider the feelings of the sovereign citizens during negotiations."

Intense Debate over Nomination Methods and Party Management Direction

Differences of opinion regarding the nomination method were also revealed during the debate.

Representative Park Chan-dae raised concerns about the "no-cut" nomination method advocated by Representative Jeong Cheong-rae, questioning, "If it practically becomes a 'no-cut,' won’t it pose significant obstacles to expanding opportunities for youth and women?"

In response, Representative Jeong Cheong-rae refuted, "Cutting off means unfairly telling someone 'you are not qualified' to ensure that someone actually gets the nomination, while saying that the party leader is cutting off the selection of strategic regions based on party regulations is an exaggeration."

Additionally, when Representative Jeong Cheong-rae asked Representative Park Chan-dae whether, if he became the leader, he would serve as an integrated party leader or a cooperative party leader, Park responded, "I have clearly stated multiple times that there will be absolutely no collaboration, compromise, or deal with factions that threaten national stability." He emphasized, "In this situation where Kim Moon-soo (former minister) is saying he will run for leadership again, cooperation is not possible."

Mixed Evaluations of the First Cabinet Under the Lee Jae-myung Administration… "99 Points vs. Assessing After Results"

There were also differences in evaluation regarding the first cabinet under the Lee Jae-myung administration.

Candidate Jeong Cheong-rae rated it highly, saying, "I could give up to 99 points," while candidate Park Chan-dae expressed a more cautious view, stating, "I think it is necessary to assign scores after assessing the results."

Previously, Park had called for the voluntary resignation of former Minister of Gender Equality and Family Kang Sun-woo, while Jeong had supported Kang until the end.

The final debate among the Democratic Party leadership candidates, the third TV debate, is scheduled to be held on the 29th on MBC's 100-minute debate.

The Democratic Party will hold a national convention on August 2 and elect a new party leader for a one-year term.

The election will be determined by combining 55% from party members, 15% from delegates, and 30% from general public opinion polls.

Image source: Reference photo for understanding the article / gettyimagesban, Park Chan-dae (left) and Jeong Cheong-rae, Democratic Party leadership candidates, shake hands before the TV debate begins at the KBS Shin-gwan Public Hall in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 27th. / News1