Lee Jae-myung, the candidate from the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo on the 27th, saying, "Kim Moon-soo seems to be an ally of the insurrection forces."
During the third televised debate among presidential candidates held that day, Lee pointed out that Kim had opposed the law for recovering assets from former President Chun Doo-hwan, met with former President Chun Doo-hwan, and had initially brought in lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun, a close aide to former President Yoon Seok-youl, as co-campaign chairman but had to withdraw due to internal disputes.
He added, "There is concern that if Kim Moon-soo is elected, the regent Yoon Seok-youl, in other words, the leader of the rebellion will return."
In response, Kim Moon-soo said, "That's completely unfounded," and added, "Lee Jae-myung is the one who cannot escape the criticism of being the mastermind of corruption, fraud, and crime. The claims against me are just that, claims."
When Lee asked, "You opposed and exercised a veto against the law to eliminate the statute of limitations on state crimes such as military coups, massacres, and torture. Will you exercise veto power over such laws?" Kim replied, "If it's such a law, I would rather take the lead. In fact, that person who invokes impeachment of the Chief Justice and calls for special investigations to avoid trial, like Lee Jae-myung, is the one I will propose a law to permanently retire from politics, and I will ensure it passes."
Lee asked, "If found guilty of rebellion, would you pardon former President Yoon Seok-youl?" Kim responded, "It's not a correct question to discuss a pardon for someone whose trial has begun," and retorted, "If Lee Jae-myung becomes president, will he self-pardon for his crimes?" Lee dismissed that, saying, "Theoretically, it's impossible."
Lee posed the question: "Will you separate from Yoon Seok-youl?" Kim responded, "President Yoon has already exited the party. He has no relation with me. There is no relationship to sever." When Lee pressed further, asking, "Are you saying you won't sever ties?" Kim countered, "You have to have a relationship to sever it; I don't have one."