In final presidential debate, candidates spar over nuclear armament, North Korea and martial law

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In final presidential debate, candidates spar over nuclear armament, North Korea and martial law

Published: 28 May. 2025, 01:44 Updated: 28 May. 2025, 18:50

SARAH KIM
[email protected]

Audio report: written by reporters, read by AI

From left, Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party, Kwon Young-kook of the Democratic Labor Party, Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party and Lee Jun-seok of the minor Reform Party pose for a photo ahead of their third and final debate at the MBC studio in Mapo District, western Seoul, on May 27. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]

South Korea's potential nuclear armament and its alliance with the United States were among issues the main presidential candidates sparred over Tuesday night during their third and final debate ahead of the June 3 election.

Lee Jae-myung of the liberal Democratic Party (DP), Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party (PPP), Lee Jun-seok of the minor Reform Party and Kwon Young-kook of the progressive Democratic Labor Party wrangled over the night's themes of political polarization, foreign affairs and security issues.

Despite the hefty topics at hand, the candidate nonetheless spent much of their time rehashing their beef with each other as they took part in the televised two-hour debate hosted by the National Election Commission at the MBC studio in Mapo District, western Seoul. Their latest face-to-face war of words was even more heated than the previous debates, which focused on the economy and social issues.

Alliance matters

Regarding his diplomatic vision, the DP's Lee stressed, "I believe the foundation of Korea's diplomacy is the Korea-U.S. alliance," calling for the alliance to be "developed substantively, gradually and in a future-oriented manner."

He added that cooperation among South Korea, the United States and Japan is also necessary and should extend to areas such as security, technology, culture and the environment.

Lee also said it is important not to "ignore the relationship with China and Russia," calling for these ties to be "appropriately managed." He said that "there is no need to unnecessarily antagonize" these relationships, underscoring that "peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula is very important."

Kim, in turn, said that North Korean leader "Kim Jong-un's dictatorship threatens our lives and property with its nuclear weapons and missile provocations." He warned that within South Korea, "there are forces advocating for the withdrawal of U.S. troops stationed here and the dismantling of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, shaking the foundation of our nation."

He raised Lee's alleged links to illegal remittances to the North during his time as Gyeonggi governor and called for the creation of "a transparent and dignified inter-Korean relationship." Kim further pledged to "strengthen nuclear deterrence based on the South Korea-U.S. alliance."

Lee Jun-seok sharply criticized the "diplomatic missteps" of the Yoon Suk Yeol administration and pledged to restore South Korea's global image through practical leadership. He said that, if elected, he will merge the Ministry of Unification with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and establish a new deputy prime minister for security policy. He also proposed supplying South Korean weapons in lieu of increasing the defense cost-sharing deal with the United States.

Kwon, noting that peace creates jobs, said he would support the United States and North Korea establishing diplomatic relations. He called for the realization of "peace on the Korean Peninsula based on active exchanges" and "dialogue rather than confrontation." He further advocated for a civilian defense minister and a five-year plan to transition to voluntary military service.

From left, Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party, Kwon Young-kook of the Democratic Labor Party, Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party and Lee Jun-seok of the minor Reform Party take part in their third and final debate at the MBC studio in Mapo District, western Seoul, on May 27. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]

Nuclear armament and security

When asked by the DP's Lee on his stance on South Korea's nuclear armament, the PPP's Kim replied, "Rather than arming ourselves with nuclear weapons, we should achieve a nuclear balance," stressing it should be done so "carefully within the scope of maintaining the Korea-U.S. alliance."

Lee accused the former labor minister of being wishy-washy, and Kim clarified that if nuclear armament comes at the cost of the Seoul-Washington alliance, "then arming ourselves with nuclear weapons will be ineffective."

Lee questioned Kim on his position in support of redeploying U.S. tactical nuclear weapons to South Korea.

"If we redeploy tactical nuclear weapons to the Korean Peninsula, we can't demand North Korea's denuclearization," Lee said. He noted that there is speculation that the United States placed South Korea on its "sensitive and other designated countries list" because of suspicions of Seoul's nuclear armament intentions.

The two Lees then clashed over the deployment of the U.S.-led Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (Thaad) antimissile system in South Korea.

Lee Jun-seok noted that Lee Jae-myung had previously claimed that "Thaad deployment is for U.S. defense," arguing that the DP candidate misunderstands the weapons system and echoes arguments typically raised by China.

Lee Jae-myung replied, "South Korea's defense should be based on its own independent missile defense system." But he said that since the Thaad system has been deployed despite much controversy, further debate is unhelpful to Seoul's diplomatic and security strategy.

The PPP's Kim, in turn, indicated that he could consider raising Seoul's share in the defense cost-sharing burden over the stationing of troops in Korea should U.S. President Donald Trump ask, taking into consideration various factors.

Attacks galore, unity still envisioned

Not long into the debate, the candidates quickly resorted to undermining each other rather than focusing on substantive policy issues, sometimes following up on unfinished arguments and personal attacks from last Friday's debate.

The PPP's Kim and the Reform Party's Lee both launched an offensive against DP's Lee for his ongoing trials, rounding on him over allegations related to a land development scandal and illegal remittances to North Korea.

While candidates debated on the issue of political polarization, they clashed over loyalties following ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration on Dec. 3, 2024.

Lee Jae-myung grilled Kim on his stance on Yoon's impeachment and ouster, calling him at one point Yoon's "avatar." Kim said he believes such a process is valid in accordance with the Constitutional Court's ruling, while noting that there could be procedural flaws in the process.

Lee Jae-myung also came down on Lee Jun-seok for reportedly going home to shower on the night of the martial law imposition before returning to the National Assembly. Kwon compared Lee Jun-seok to a younger Yoon and said he is "wasting everyone's time."

When Kim said "people are concerned" over Lee's five trials related to corruption and bribery scandals, the DP candidate countered "there is no evidence," blaming the Yoon administration.

"This election will decide whether the forces behind the insurrection return, or whether we are reborn as a hopeful new democratic republic," the DP's Lee said in his closing remarks. "Please show that your vote is stronger than bullets, and that the true owners of this country are its people."

Kim recounted figures related to the land development scandal in Gyeonggi in a jab at Lee and said, "Let us put an end to the dictatorial monster and protect freedom, human rights and democracy together."

Nonetheless, both the DP and PPP candidates met with reporters after the debate and stressed the importance of "unity."

Kim said, "We can only win if we all come together," likely hinting at an intent to merge campaigns with Lee Jun-seok.

"If I become president, I will respect everyone, regardless of whether they support me or not," the DP's Lee said, adding, "I will strive to become a president of unity."

BY SARAH KIM [[email protected]]