Na Kyung-won of the People Power Party strongly criticized former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo's promise of 'federal-level local autonomy,' resulting in a heated exchange between the two sides.
On the 13th, Na noted on her Facebook, "The 'federal-level local autonomy' put forth by candidate Kim is an extremely dangerous idea that could plunge South Korea into chaos and weaken national power," and added, "Federalism? Isn't it familiar? It's a dangerous claim that aligns with the federalism concept advocated by North Korea's Kim Il-sung."
He continued, "With forces that threaten the free Republic of Korea rampant everywhere, and amid a situation that divides public opinion, how can we adequately respond to a national crisis, whether it's an economic or security crisis, if we merely weaken the central government's authority by discussing federalism?"
Former Governor Kim Kyung-soo immediately responded. He posted on Facebook, "Those who think of the United States or Germany when they hear 'federalism' and those who think of North Korea might exist," and pointed out, "If we follow Na's argument, then the United States, a federal country admired by Korea's far-right, becomes the most representative pro-North Korea country?"
Kim further criticized, "It seems like you are trying to cast a colored narrative by looking at just one word, much like Pavlov's dog that salivates at the sound of a bell," and added, "Since you are running for the presidential candidate of the second-largest party in the National Assembly, I hope you can find reason, even now."