SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – The presidential election in South Korea has devolved into personal attacks and minor disputes, overshadowing substantial policy discussions, particularly following the former conservative leadership’s Expulsion of Yoon Suk Yeol regarding his severe martial law shortcomings.
Liberal frontrunner Lee Jae-myung and conservative rival Kim Moon-Soo intensified their exchanges in last week’s final presidential debate, with Lee branding Kim as “Yoon Suk Yeol’s Avatar,” while Kim labeled Lee a “denouncer of monster politics and dictatorship.”
Let’s examine the rhetoric and controversies as the election approaches on Tuesday.
Lee’s Coffee Bean Controversy
Maintaining a consistent lead in polls, Lee has emphasized Kim’s legal troubles, portraying outspoken Democratic candidates as hazardous, hardline populists whose economic pledges are out of touch with reality.
For several days, Kim’s camp capitalized on what appeared to be casual remarks from Lee about the profitability of running a coffee shop during a May 16 campaign rally in Gangsan city.
Lee was discussing past policies from his tenure as Governor of Gyeonggi Province in 2019, where he relocated unlicensed food vendors from the state’s popular mountain streams to improve and cleanse tourist areas.
Lee suggested helping vendors transition to legal businesses, asserting that selling coffee would yield better profits compared to labor-intensive chicken porridge. He stated that a cup of coffee could be sold for between 8,000 and 10,000 won ($5.8-7.3), while the cost of raw beans was merely 120 won (9 cents).
This statement struck a chord in a nation where the rapid rise of small coffee shops symbolizes the struggles of self-employed individuals in a competitive job market.
The Kim People’s Power Party accused Lee of “driving nails into the hearts of small business owners” by suggesting that coffee shops are lucrative, claiming he misrepresented the factors influencing retail prices.
Lee responded by alleging that conservatives distorted his comments, clarifying that he was merely explaining how to operate vendors more effectively.
Kim Evades the Chanel Bag Scandal
Kim’s reluctance to directly criticize Yoon’s martial law actions has been a significant target for Lee’s political attacks.
When Yoon defended his martial law on May 21 and made unfounded accusations regarding Liberal Party election fraud, some members of the PPP expressed concern that he was inadvertently campaigning for Lee.
Kim, who previously served as Yoon’s Minister of Labor, asserted he would strive to eradicate supposed election fraud as president.
Moreover, Kim has not provided significant responses to the various scandals involving Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon Hee.
Seoul prosecutors are investigating fresh allegations that the former First Lady received extravagant gifts, including two Chanel bags from an official associated with the Unification Church, who may have sought business favors post-Yoon’s inauguration in 2022.
Previously, she had received Dior bags from a Korean-American pastor and faced several other allegations, including involvement in a stock manipulation scheme.
During the presidential debate, Lee asserted that Yoon would act as the “shadow ruler” behind Kim, who dodged Lee’s inquiry about whether he would forgive Yoon.
Claims Regarding the “Room Salon”
The “Room Salon” has long represented a facet of Korean male-oriented nightlife culture, serving as an exclusive karaoke venue where hostesses entertain male clients, which has suddenly become a prominent issue in the election.
Lee’s party alleged that a judge presiding over Yoon’s insurrection trial visited one of these upscale bars in South Seoul last year, accompanied by two unidentified individuals. Reports suggest that they footed the bill, hinting at a potential conflict of interest.
Judge Jee Kui-Youn has been central to a bipartisan controversy since he authorized Yoon’s release from prison in March, allowing him to stand trial without physical detention.
“We should strip him of his judge’s robe,” declared party spokesman Noh Johnmün. “Isn’t it absurd for him to serve as chief judge in a trial that could determine Korea’s democratic fate?”
Jee denied the accusations and explained that he was merely filming “Samgyeopsal,” a dish of grilled pork belly, along with “Somaek,” a combination of beer and traditional Korean liquor, Soju.
Conservative critics have accused Democrats of attempting to manipulate the judiciary as Lee faces five criminal trials related to corruption and other charges.
Confusion Over Consolidated Candidates
South Korea typically declares an election victor based on a singular vote without any leaks. If a clear frontrunner emerges, it is common for the other two candidates to consolidate their campaigns, often leading to withdrawal in exchange for a prominent government role to support the leading contender.
Lee’s ongoing engagement with the conservatives upheld his front-running status but in an ambiguous and undemocratic manner, compromising Kim’s campaign.
Yoon’s former prime minister, Han Dak So, appeared poised to defeat Lee, with the PPP leader’s late-night emergency meeting resulting in Kim’s nomination cancellation and pushing for an independent Han to run. However, party members voted against this idea.
Kim referred to the maneuver as a “one-night political coup,” attempting to align with lesser-known conservative candidate Lee Junsuk, who flatly rejected the overture.
Source: apnews.com