Ruling party head pushes opposition chief for TV debate

Han Dong-hoon, interim head of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), is increasing the pressure on main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Chairman Rep. Lee Jae-myung to accept his invitation to a TV debate.

“I believe the public and the media want to see a lengthy televised debate among major party leaders to know about their differences and positions on various issues,” the PPP chief told reporters, Monday.

“I have already accepted requests for a debate (with Lee) from broadcasters such as KBS, SBS, Channel A, TV Chosun and MBC. Chairman Lee is known as an outstanding speaker as the DPK often emphasizes. There is no reason for Lee to avoid it.”

Last week, Han expressed his intention to debate Lee, as part of his offensive against the main opposition party, which is suffering intense internal conflicts over the nomination of candidates for the April 10 general elections.

On Friday, Han told reporters, “I am answering reporters’ impromptu questions multiple times every day without prior arrangements, while Lee is avoiding important questions … It seems like the media wants me to ask Lee questions instead.”

Han, who was appointed to lead the ruling party on Dec. 26, has yet to participate in a TV debate, though he attended a debate hosted by Kwanhun Club, a journalists group, on Feb. 7 and answered the questions of senior journalists.

Han and Lee have met several times at public events including a ceremony marking the 105th anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement last Friday. However, they have yet to exchange opinions on pending issues in a face-toface public setting.

“I will adjust my schedule to accommodate whenever the chairman wants — just let me know one day in advance,” Han said.

“Unlimited discussions on various issues will provide a good standard for the voters, and it will be the duty of the heads of the ruling and the main opposition parties.”