The People Power Party's presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo criticized on the 19th, "The constitutional amendment proposed by the Democratic Party of Korea's candidate Lee Jae-myung is very impure."
Kim's campaign spokesperson Shin Dong-uk noted in a briefing in the morning that Lee's proposed 'four-year consecutive presidential term constitutional amendment plan' means "the consecutive term allows a representative to take on the presidency, then return after four years to do it again" making a reference to the 'Putin model.'
Shin also pointed out, "This amendment plan proposed by Lee aims to strengthen the presidency while also empowering the National Assembly," indicating that it runs counter to the current circumstances where the concentration of power in the 1987 system has limitations. He further stated, "This is not about relinquishing power, but a constitutional amendment for 'permanent power.'"
Regarding Lee's televised debate the previous day, Shin assessed, "When it comes to unfavorable topics, he says, 'I'll make a judgment when the time comes,' indicating he is unprepared."
He added, "At least a presidential candidate should know or acknowledge uncertainty; if Lee cannot address these matters, it is right to express it honestly. It reflects a very insincere attitude."
Shin indicated, "Although Lee often claims to be center-right or pro-business, what he stated yesterday is close to a socialist economic view," adding, "There is no understanding of the growth mechanisms of corporations, and irresponsibly pouring state money to create good corporations, while the powerful seize that money and distribute it to the people, is a typical form of socialism."
He also remarked, "Lee claims that by creating 'state-owned corporations' and distributing resources for free to the public, quality of life will improve, but this business perspective of completely nationalizing corporations is similar to the income-led growth strategy of the Moon Jae-in administration."
Regarding Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok, he stated, "Although he posed sharp questions as a young candidate with expertise in science and engineering, his experience may not have matched that of Kim."
Concerning Democratic Labor Party candidate Kwon Young-guk, he commented, "He talked about anti-American self-reliance and economic sovereignty, but the public might have found that frustrating."