TV Debate for the People Power Party Leadership Candidates: Clash over the Controversy of Illegal Martial Law

Kim Mun-soo, a candidate for the People Power Party leadership, defended former President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of illegal martial law on December 3, stating, "It is one of the emergency powers of the president as guaranteed by the Constitution."

In response, candidate Cho Kyung-tae criticized him strongly, saying, "By constantly defending it, our party cannot escape the stigma of being a party of insurrection."

During the first TV debate for the People Power Party leadership, hosted by Channel A, candidate Kim continued to support claims regarding illegal martial law and conspiracy theories about fraudulent elections.

The debate featured a confrontation between candidates Kim Mun-soo and Jang Dong-hyuk, who opposed the impeachment of former President Yoon, and candidates Cho Kyung-tae and Ahn Cheol-soo, who supported it.

Kim claimed, "Martial law is guaranteed by the Constitution as the emergency power of the president," putting forth arguments that diverged from established facts.

He questioned, "Has anyone aimed a gun at the people?" and "Is there anyone who got hurt?" attempting to downplay the seriousness of illegal martial law.

He further asked, "What has former President Yoon done to destroy the rule of law and liberal democracy?"

Controversy over the 'Yoon Seok-yeol Again' Faction and the Possibility of Far-Right Coalition

In this context, candidate Cho sharply criticized, "Any act of aiming a gun at the people, who are the masters of the Republic of Korea, is an act of treason against the state and a grave crime that deserves extinction of one's entire family."

When Kim replied, "What is treason?" Cho pointed out, "Is your literacy not up to par?" igniting a verbal confrontation.

During the debate, differences in positions regarding the 'Yoon Again' faction were also evident. Candidate Kim stated, "There are no far-right individuals in the People Power Party," questioning, "Who is this 'Yoon Again' that is supposedly beating people up?"

Candidate Jang expressed support, saying, "I accept the argument that we must protect the liberal democratic system and eradicate anti-national forces."

On the other hand, candidate Cho criticized, "The moment you align with 'Yoon Again', you become far-right," drawing a line.

Debate over Jeon Han-gil, who advocated for illegal martial law and promoted conspiracy theories about fraudulent elections, also continued.

When Jang asked, "What is the standard for calling me far-right?" Ahn retorted, "It is the issue of associating with Jeon."

Jang insisted, "It is correct to fight alongside those people (including Jeon)," emphasizing the need to form a united front for the struggle against the opposition.

Candidate Kim also hinted at the possibility of aligning with so-called 'Gwanghwamun Square Forces', including far-right Protestant pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon and former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, who claims election fraud.

He stated, "We have a responsibility to unite all forces and stop the dictatorship of Lee Jae-myung."

Image sources: Ahn Cheol-soo (from left), Cho Kyung-tae, Jang Dong-hyuk, Kim Mun-soo, candidates for the People Power Party leadership / News1, candidate Kim Mun-soo delivering remarks during the 6th People Power Party National Convention joint speech in Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do held at EXCO on the afternoon of the 8th / News1, Ahn Cheol-soo, Cho Kyung-tae, Jang Dong-hyuk, and Kim Mun-soo preparing for the first televised debate / News1