Hwang Kyo-ahn, candidate for the Pyeongtaek-eul parliamentary by-election in Gyeonggi Province from the Liberty and Innovation Party, confidently holds up a "No" sign in response to the question "Is martial law illegal?" during an invited debate on the 22nd. [X capture]

Hwang Kyo-ahn, candidate for the Liberty and Innovation Party in the Pyeongtaek-eul parliamentary by-election in Gyeonggi Province, scheduled for June 3rd, sharply criticized the past records of Cho Kuk, candidate for the Rebuilding Korea Party, and Kim Jae-yeon, candidate for the Progressive Party, by highlighting his prominent "national perspective" during an invited debate hosted by media outlets on the 22nd.

When asked, "Is martial law illegal?", Hwang confidently held up a "No (X)" sign, arguing that President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of emergency martial law was a constitutional and legal measure. He also elicited a response from Yoo Eui-dong of the People Power Party to the effect of "There is no fraudulent election." Kim Yong-nam of the Democratic Party of Korea responded to the accusation of assaulting his secretary by saying, "I sincerely apologize and reflect."

However, none of the candidates, including Cho Kuk, Kim Jae-yeon, Yoo Eui-dong, and Kim Yong-nam, indicated any intention to withdraw from the race.

During the candidate invited debate held at the Pyeongtaek International Exchange Center in Pyeongtaek City, Gyeonggi Province, hosted and organized by the Pyeongtaek Journalists Association and the Pyeongtaek Regional Newspaper Association, Hwang Kyo-ahn stated, "Candidate Cho Kuk's son and daughter both systematically fabricated false credentials and submitted forged documents to gain admission, mobilizing their parents' status and connections."

He then pointed out that Cho Kuk had been sentenced to two years in prison by the Supreme Court and questioned, "Why did you commit all sorts of crimes to make your children dragons? Many people think you have no shame. Don't you lack the qualifications to face young people? It would be right to immediately apologize to the citizens of Pyeongtaek and resign."

In response, candidate Cho stated, "I have apologized to the public multiple times in and out of court."

Furthermore, Hwang Kyo-ahn publicly questioned Cho Kuk's past involvement with SaNoMyeong (Socialist Workers' League).

Hwang Kyo-ahn asked for confirmation, stating, "It is a traitorous organization that attempted to overthrow the South Korean system through armed rebellion and establish a socialist state. Have you undergone ideological conversion?"

Cho Kuk explained, "I neither boast about nor am ashamed of my activities in my youth. The ruling states that I was not a member of SaNoMyeong."

Additionally, Hwang Kyo-ahn pressed, "During the parliamentary confirmation hearing for the Minister of Justice candidate, Cho Kuk, you referred to yourself as a socialist. Do you still hold the same views?" To which Cho Kuk replied, "Our constitution requires and allows for socialist policies alongside liberalism."

When Hwang Kyo-ahn pressed for a direct answer again, asking, "Are you saying you are a socialist?", Cho Kuk evaded by saying, "Defining someone as a socialist like that is resorting to the 'red baiting' tactic."

Hwang Kyo-ahn, candidate for the Pyeongtaek-eul parliamentary by-election in Gyeonggi Province from the Liberty and Innovation Party, appeals for support at a campaign launch ceremony in front of his election office in Pyeongtaek City, Gyeonggi Province, on the 21st. [Yonhap News]

Amidst the exchange regarding candidates' past records, Hwang Kyo-ahn questioned Kim Jae-yeon, "In 2014, you lost your parliamentary seat due to the dissolution decision of the Unified Progressive Party. The Constitutional Court ruled that the UPP was a party with unconstitutional aims pursuing North Korean-style socialism. Have you apologized for this?" Kim Jae-yeon countered with an argument that the procedure was 'inappropriate'.

Hwang Kyo-ahn pointed out to Kim Yong-nam, "You changed parties from the Liberty Korea Party to the New Reform Party, and then again to the Democratic Party of Korea. You were conservative right-wing, but now you are running as a left-wing candidate. Do you have any political convictions? Aren't you a typical political opportunist?" Kim Yong-nam replied, "My political philosophy and beliefs have not changed."

Hwang Kyo-ahn asked Yoo Eui-dong, "Was the last presidential election fraudulent or not?" Yoo responded, "I do not agree with this assertion," indicating that the election was not fraudulent. This was assessed as a significant divergence from the perspective of traditional conservatives who desire the eradication of fraudulent elections.

Hwang Kyo-ahn also stated, regarding President Yoon Suk-yeol's emergency martial law of December 3rd, "It is not a mistake, as it is the president's inherent authority," expressing an opinion consistent with the common sense of traditional conservatives.

In contrast, the other candidates responded that it was "wrong."

Yoo Eui-dong attacked Kim Yong-nam by asking, "Have you ever assaulted your secretary?" Kim then bowed his head, saying, "I was immature, and I sincerely apologize and reflect," but did not indicate any intention to resign.

Hwang Kyo-ahn appealed for support, saying, "I will make the Pyeongtaek-eul region a Korea-US global security and economic special zone, turning it into the best place to live in Korea."

Prior to the candidate invited debate for the Gyeonggi Pyeongtaek-eul parliamentary by-election, hosted by the Pyeongtaek Regional Newspaper Association and the Pyeongtaek Journalists Association, held at the Pyeongtaek International Exchange Center in Pyeongtaek City, Gyeonggi Province, on the afternoon of the 22nd, the candidates pose for a commemorative photo. From left: Cho Kuk of the Rebuilding Korea Party, Kim Yong-nam of the Democratic Party of Korea, Yoo Eui-dong of the People Power Party, Kim Jae-yeon of the Progressive Party, and Hwang Kyo-ahn of the Liberty and Innovation Party. [Yonhap News]