Busan Mayoral Candidates' First Debate: Policy Ignored in Fierce 'Negative' Attacks

In the first TV debate for the June 3 local elections, Jeon Jae-soo of the Democratic Party and Park Hyung-joon of the People Power Party, competing for the Busan mayorship, engaged in a fierce exchange of negative attacks.

During the debate, the candidates traded barbs over allegations such as receiving money from the Unification Church and preferential treatment in LCT apartment sales. Candidate Park raised suspicions about Jeon receiving a Cartier watch, to which Jeon responded that he had undergone rigorous investigation by a joint police-prosecution task force. Park's camp also claimed evidence tampering by Jeon's aide.

Conversely, Jeon pointed to candidate Park regarding the LCT preferential sales allegations, demanding an explanation.

Amidst the exchanges, both candidates presented policy pledges concerning Busan's economic growth and job creation.