The ruling and opposition parties clashed over a TV debate for the Seoul mayoral race. The Democratic Party of Korea said additional debates could only fuel negative attacks, while the People Power Party pushed back, saying Chong Won-o was avoiding debates.
Chong Won-o's camp held a press conference at the National Assembly on the 17th and took a cautious position on demands for an additional TV debate. Lee In-young, standing co-chair of the election committee, said, "This is something that requires further discussion with the candidate," and added, "If Oh's side engages in negative campaigning and "inhumane" political plots, that would be a problem."
He added, "If even the TV debate ends up being pervaded by negativity across the board, Seoul residents will be very uncomfortable."
Lawmaker Park Sung-joon also said, "Oh Se-hoon avoided TV debates during the 2021 Seoul mayoral election," adding, "He should reflect on himself." He continued, "If it is a debate for Seoul residents, we will keep the door open and take part as much as needed."
By contrast, the People Power Party urged Chong to join the debate. Choi Bo-yoon, spokesperson of the People Power Party's central election committee, said, "The Seoul mayoral candidates' debate will be held only once, abruptly, at 11 p.m. on the 28th, just before early voting," adding, "This is a flimsy ploy to get by with a 'cram-session vetting.'"
Choi also said, "While desperately avoiding open TV debates, he is appearing competitively on YouTube channels with a pro-ruling-party bent."
Choi added, "Voters will never place their trust in a candidate who hides out of fear of moral flaws and a lack of confidence in policy," and said, "An election is not hide-and-seek."