Democratic Party Leader Candidates Clash Over Defining Local Election Victory as Win During TV Debate

Candidates for the leader of the Democratic Party clashed on the 12th during the final TV debate held at SBS over the truth of remarks regarding party-government relations amidst the controversy over defining the June 3 local elections as a victory, as well as the issue of secrecy regarding conversations with the President.

Candidate Song Young-gil pressed Candidate Jeong Cheong-rae on his claim that the party, government, and Cheong Wa Dae had defined the June 3 local election results as a victory, demanding to know through what circumstances such a conclusion was reached.

Candidate Jeong Cheong-rae countered that he had referred to the 'party and leader,' not the 'party, government, and Cheong Wa Dae.' He pointed out that conversations with the President are confidential and launched a direct attack, stating that Candidate Song's remarks were contrary to the national interest.