Candidates for the People Power Party's leadership in the 8·22 national convention divided into pro-impeachment and anti-impeachment factions during their first TV debate on the 10th, discussing issues such as far-right controversies and the arrest of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. Jo Kyung-tae, a pro-impeachment candidate, claimed, "A conspiracy theorist about election fraud is far-right," to which anti-impeachment candidate Kim Moon-soo responded, "There are no far-right members in the People Power Party. This is framing."
In a debate led by Jo during the discussion session held at the Channel A studio in Jongno, Seoul, he said, "Far-right is false propaganda and violence. Far-right forces consist of election fraud conspiracy theorists who incite deceit and rule violently by mobilizing the military."
In response, candidate Kim said, "I believe there are no far-right members in our People Power Party," adding, "Someone like Jeong Cheong-rae from the Democratic Party of Korea is the far-left. Anti-American, pro-North Korea, anti-business. Causing the ambassador and his wife to flee in their pajamas after breaking down the door at the embassy is far-left terrorism," and asked, "Where is the far-right in the People Power Party? Who is the far-right?"
Jo then stated, "Instigating election fraud is also far-right," and said, "Using force is far-right, and violating the law is far-right. Although they claim not to be far-right, I think they are far-right the moment they sympathize with Yoon Again." In response, Kim asked, "Who is that? Did those people commit violence or start a fire?"
When Jo stated, "I think sympathizing with 'Yoon Again' is far-right," Kim argued, "Being called far-right is merely a labeling by the far-left to attach tags to people who oppose them or to the People Power Party, framing them," and added, "There are no far-right members in the People Power Party."
Jo asserted, "Far-right and far-left are interconnected. Advocating for martial law while ignoring the constitution and engaging in illegal activities is far-right thinking and far-right forces," to which Kim countered, "I have never advocated for martial law."
Conversely, anti-impeachment candidate Jang Dong-hyuk asked Ahn Cheol-soo on that day to clarify the criteria for calling someone far-right. He added, "We are on the right, but if we act extremely, wouldn't that be labeled as far-right? What is the reason for asking me to leave the party?"
In response, pro-impeachment candidate Ahn said, "I have no memory of using the term far-right. I have no memory of being asked to leave the party. The issue is with joining Jeon Han-gil."
However, when Ahn asked Jang, "Do you think you are Yoon Again?" Jang replied, "While it is difficult to agree with other claims of (Yoon Again), I will accept the assertion that we must defend liberal democracy and eradicate anti-national forces, even if I become the party leader."
Opinions on the controversy arising from the special investigation into the arrest attempt of former President Yoon Suk-yeol also varied between the two sides.
Kim stated, "The stories about a person in prison having taken off his clothes or lying down are strictly prohibited human rights violations." He continued, "In attempting to forcibly arrest former President Yoon, he was dropped and injured, leading to his hospitalization in the infirmary," calling it "serious human rights violations. The whole world is paying attention."
Jang remarked, "Even lawyers from the progressive camp criticize that there are no legal grounds to arrest or summon him," and added, "Even with arrest and summons warrants issued by the court, human rights must be guaranteed." He further stated, "Briefing on all these situations sets a precedent and itself constitutes a human rights violation."
On the other hand, Ahn contended, "The court has ruled. They went to execute the warrant. That is the rule of law," stating, "As a former president, it is more appropriate to maintain dignity and cooperate." He concluded, "That is to uphold the core value of conservatism, which is the rule of law."
Jo also said, "Seeing a president behaving worse than a thug must have truly frustrated the people," asserting, "Just appearing in such a pitiful manner is embarrassing as a member of the nation."