Kim Yong-nam, the Democratic Party of Korea candidate running in the Pyeongtaek-eul by-election, and Cho Kuk, the Rebuilding Korea Party candidate, clashed over a single candidacy during a debate. Holding up an "O," Cho said the public would order a single candidacy, but Kim held up an "X," countering that if the parties are different, they must face voters' judgment.
At a candidate debate for the Pyeongtaek-eul by-election hosted by local media on the afternoon of the 22nd, Kim and Cho sparred over installing floating solar panels in unused waters at Pyeongtaek Port. Aiming at Kim, Cho said, "There was a time you proposed a 500 MW-class solar plan (for the unused waters at Pyeongtaek Port)," adding, "Pyeongtaek Port must not be used as a hasty solar site."
Kim responded, "It's true I reviewed installing solar power generation, but I left it out of this pledge," adding, "I would appreciate it if you would carefully review others' pledges."
Their battle of nerves continued when asked about whether to merge candidacies. To the moderator's question about the possibility of a single candidacy, Cho raised an "O," saying, "To block the reemergence of insurrectionary forces, the public may demand a single candidacy," but Kim said, "If the parties are different, the goals are different," adding, "Each party should field its own candidate as a principle and be judged by voters."
People Power Party candidate Yoo Ui-dong also joined the debate over the Pyeongtaek Support Special Act. Cho said, "I introduced a bill to convert it into a standing law and to fund transportation innovation including KTX," and asked Kim and Yoo, "Are you willing to agree across party lines to the Rebuilding Korea Party's bill?"
Kim shot back, "The Rebuilding Korea Party has fewer than 20 members," adding, "Since the Democratic Party holds a majority on its own, the Democratic Party will take the lead in introducing it and getting it passed."
To Cho's question, Yoo said, "There is a bill under which this (matter) applies, so why create another bill and make this even more tangled?" and then asked back, "It's hard for me to agree to a bill introduced by Representative Cho. Are you satisfied?"
When Yoo criticized Cho to his face as making "a forced argument like a kindergartener," Cho shot back, "You're calling me a kindergartener?" Yoo's position is that the matter should be resolved under the existing Railroad Business Act and does not need to be included in a special act.
In addition, there was friction when, over attracting an AI center, Cho said it was "a pledge made only by himself" and asked Kim for his position, to which Kim retorted, "I have little interest in my opponent's pledges."