Fiery Debate at Podium

The Grand National Party presidential candidate debate, which was suspended due to conflicts between its two contenders, former Seoul mayor Lee Myung-bak and former GNP leader Park Geun-hye, resumed in Sajik Stadium in Busan, a harbor city, on Thursday afternoon. According to a police estimate, about 7,000 party executives and members attended at the event.

As the party leadership banned any hackling during the forum, and South Koreans were kidnapped in Afghanistan, the atmosphere of the debate was relatively calmer than the first debate held in Jeju on July 22.

In the middle of the hall, a huge banner that read, “We hope for the safe return of the captives in Afghanistan” was hung, and all presidential candidates and some party executives wore a black ribbon.

The supporters of candidate Lee and Park chanted their names loudly, but security guards separated them, preventing conflicts between the two sides.

However the two candidates sharply confronted each other during their addresses. Lee stressed the importance of the economy while Park put an emphasis on a flawless candidacy. Other candidates such as Hong Jun-pyo and Won hee-ryong also claimed that they were the best man for the job.

Lee said, “I will revive the economy”-

Lee spent 80 percent of his speech on how to revitalize the economy, emphasizing the difference between Park and him. But he did not mount a direct personal attack.

“This morning I met a taxi driver. He said ‘please improve the Busan economy.’ The current administration is only concerned about preventing me from dropping out of the race. No wonder this country is not doing well,” said Lee.

He also appealed to the locals, saying, ”A thriving Busan economy will play a critical role in raising South Korea’s per capita GDP to $40,000. If I become president, I will classify Busan, Ulsan and South Gyeongsang province into a broad category to enable them to compete with the world.”

“What is more important than replacing this administration? Only President Lee Myung-bak can change Busan. When the primary is over, we need to work together to win in the presidential elections. This is their (referring to Park’s supporters) hope and our hope,” said Lee.

Park argued, “Only a flawless candidate can win the election”-

After showing condolences to the victims of the kidnapping, Park stressed that she is the flawless contender, targeting her rival, Lee.

She said, “If our party decides on a presidential candidate, this administration will attack the candidate for four months until the presidential elections. The degree will be beyond our imagination. If flaws are unveiled after a candidate is chosen, a change of administration will never be materialized.”

“How can a weak candidate who changes primary rules, dodges the forum schedule, and says I cannot participate in a TV debate possibly beat the powerful ruling party? I will blow away the anger buried for 10 years in your mind,” said Park.

To Lee’s claim of being an economy-minded president, she countered with the argument, “The economy is a comprehensive art, and business experience does not guarantee the revitalization of the economy. My father (former president Park Jeong-hee) was a soldier and U.S. President Reagan was an actor, but both are remembered as leaders who led economic recoveries.”

She also promised that she would turn Busan into the most competitive logistics hub in Northeast Asia.

Related to her remark, Lee expressed his displeasure to this reporter, saying,” She broke our promise (of stopping the attacks). From now on, we need to go on our own way (of campaigning).”

Hong and Won, “Big Two, Stop fighting”-

Won Hee-ryong, who criticized the big two, said, “I really appeal to you. Such a slugfest won’t make either of them win in the second round. When you (party members) receive a poll call, please say ‘I will choose new contender, Won Hee-ryong.’ Or Hong Jun-pyo.”

Presidential hopefuls Won and Hong refuted Lee’s camp, “Why do we have to bear out the romance (of Park and Rev. Choi Tae-min)? We are taking issue with Park’s receiving 600 million won from former president Jeon Doo-hwan. Have you ever seen such a mad dog who receives ‘condolence money’ and pays taxes with it?”

The two candidates also rebutted Park’s camp, “Is there any business running morally and ethically? (Lee) must have witnessed an opportunity to make money while working for a business.”

ddr@donga.com kimhs@donga.com