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Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party, Kwon Young-guk of the Democratic Labor Party, Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party, and Lee Jun-seok of the New Reform Party prepare for a televised debate on political issues at the MBC studio in Sangam-dong, Mapo District, Seoul, on May 27. / National Assembly Press Corps

With just eight days left before the June 3 presidential election, the third televised debate focused on political issues brought sharp confrontations among the candidates. Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party took aim at Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party over former President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment and martial law controversy. Kim responded by intensifying his attacks on Lee's legal troubles and the deaths of close associates. Meanwhile, Lee Jun-seok of the New Reform Party launched an ideological offensive, citing controversial origins of Lee’s economic references.

During the debate, broadcast live on SBS at 8 p.m., Lee Jae-myung questioned Kim Moon-soo about his stance on the lifting of martial law. “Most People Power Party lawmakers did not participate in lifting martial law,” Lee said. “You were the only Cabinet member who refused to stand and apologize in the National Assembly. Did you have no intention of apologizing?”

Kim shot back, “Back then, the Democratic Party was shouting and demanding 100-fold apologies from all ministers. That was not an apology—it was violence, and not how the National Assembly should function.”

When pressed again, Kim replied, “I was against martial law itself.” Lee then asked, “Do you agree with the impeachment, removal, and arrest of former President Yoon?” Kim answered, “Yoon was impeached and removed from office, but there were procedural issues with the National Assembly’s impeachment motion and with the arrest warrant. Nevertheless, he was removed, and I acknowledge that, which is why I’m running in this election.”

In a later segment, Kim pivoted to Lee’s alleged legal risks, citing suspicions over the Daejang-dong development project during his tenure as Seongnam mayor and the unexplained deaths of related figures. “Lee once said Daejang-dong was the ‘greatest development since Dangun,’ despite the massive controversy and trials. Can someone like this lead national development projects and manage public officials?” he said, asking Lee whether he would consider stepping down.

Lee countered, “That’s an unfounded accusation. Those people suffered under extreme prosecutorial pressure. Show me concrete evidence that I committed any crime. I’ve never even shared a coffee with the developers.”

Lee Jun-seok joined the attacks by criticizing Lee Jae-myung’s earlier reference to economist Lukas Zeise, founder of “hotel economics.” “Zeise was the editor of the German Communist Party’s official newspaper. Why is Lee citing communists to defend his theories?” he asked. “It’s concerning that you referenced such figures to educate the public. Will you apologize for this?”

Lee dismissed the criticism, saying, “I’d rather not see this kind of red-baiting and North Korea smearing anymore. The example I gave was also cited in a Bank of Korea publication. I’m not concerned with Zeise’s ideology—I just used a general example about money flows. Stop distorting and sensationalizing.”

But Lee Jun-seok persisted, saying, “You were trying to lecture others with ‘do you know Zeise,’ but didn’t do your research. Now you’re backpedaling. This kind of debate doesn’t allow proper vetting by the public. I hope we can hold more debates on your terms.” To this, Lee Jae-myung responded, “Let’s take our time to think about that.”