Candidates Clash in Negative Debate for Busan North District

Busan's North District by-election candidates faced off in a televised debate that was marked more by negative exchanges than policy discussions. Ha Jung-woo of the Democratic Party and Park Min-sik of the People Power Party launched concentrated attacks on independent candidate Han Dong-hoon regarding the controversy surrounding the party's member board and his involvement in the investigation of former President Park Geun-hye.

During the debate organized by the National Election Commission at Busan MBC on May 28, Ha questioned Han about the 30-year prison sentence sought for Park, asking, "Even if you did not directly influence the sentence, can it not be said that you contributed significantly?"

In response, Han acknowledged his role, stating, "I worked as a dispatched prosecutor in the team led by Yoon Seok-yeol at that time and was involved in that trial. I do not deny it," adding, "I fulfilled my duties as a public servant. I have also served as a prosecutor under other administrations and faced oppression during the Moon Jae-in administration." He expressed regret, saying, "While I did what I had to do, I feel sorry for former President Park. I appreciate the encouragement and advice she gave me during the last general election."

Ha also questioned Han about the member board controversy, asking, "Is the news about identity theft true? If not, why haven’t you filed a complaint?" Han retorted, "I have been accused of spreading false information," and added, "While I would expect Park to raise the issue of the member board, I did not expect you to bring it up."

Park joined in the criticism of Han, calling the member board controversy "a significant wound to the conservative support base" and questioned the legitimacy of the 30-year sentence sought for Park Geun-hye, asking, "Do you think that was justified, especially when compared to heinous criminals like Yoo Young-chul?" Han replied, "I feel personally sorry for former President Park," and criticized the debate for focusing on a former president instead of discussing the future of North Busan.

Han then turned to Ha, referencing the controversy over President Yoon's decision to drop charges against Lee Jae-myung, asking, "Do you support or oppose the dismissal of charges? The citizens of Busan have already expressed their opposition to granting such authority, so what more needs to be said?" He also criticized the Busan Global Hub City Special Law, stating, "When President Yoon called it populism, you did not dare to oppose him."

Ha shot back, saying, "Is this a prosecutor's interrogation room? This is why people say you can't shake off your prosecutor habits." He emphasized that regarding the dismissal of charges, he would focus on gathering public opinion in the National Assembly and concentrate on the residents of North Busan.