From nuclear weapons to joint S. Korea-U.S. military logistics; presidential candidates debate diplomacy, national security

Speaking of the debate.

A discussion to share visions for the next five years too often changed course to wage attacks against each other.

The final debate yesterday was no exception, with candidates exchanging personal criticisms as they shared their own views on foreign policy and politics.

Lee Eun-hee has the highlights.

The final presidential TV debate on Tuesday took off with intense verbal exchanges as the four leading candidates clashed over their visions for foreign policy and domestic political reform.

Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung called the South Korea-U.S. alliance the foundation of Korea's diplomacy, and even said trilateral cooperation with Japan is necessary.

But he maintained his stance that Seoul shouldn't neglect ties with China and Russia.

"We must manage our relations well. There is no need to antagonise them as we are doing now."

People Power Party Kim Moon-soo raised concern over Lee's alleged involvement in an illegal remittance to North Korea, saying it was fattening the Kim Jong-un regime, and its missile and nuclear threat.

"I will strengthen nuclear deterrence and enhance our defense capability to build a Republic of Korea that will not be shaken by any threat."

Responding to a question from Lee, Kim Moon-soo said nuclear weapons should be pursued if it is possible within the scope of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, and also suggested nuclear-sharing arrangements, similar to NATO's or a Korean-style model.

Lee criticized this stance, saying that denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is already a given.

Meanwhile, the Reform Party's Lee Jun-seok criticised both the DP and PPP for simply aligning with larger powers, and pledged practical ways to overcome Korea's security crises.

"I will elevate South Korea from a nation that depends on alliances to one that designs and leads them."

He said he'd coordinate policy on foreign affairs, unification, defense, and internal affairs, with a Deputy Prime Minister for Security, and by merging the foreign affairs and unification ministries.

He also suggested establishing joint S. Korea-U.S. military logistics facilities to produce shells and fill the U.S. ammunition gap, and replacing increases in defense cost-sharing with the supply of Korean-made weapons.

Lee also questioned the DP candidate over his past claims on America's deployment of the THAAD missile defence system to South Korea, saying that such claims align with the views of China and conspiracy theorists.

Lee Jae-myung said it isn't appropriate to continue fueling controversy over the matter.

He also said there was no evidence of his alleged remittance to North Korea.

Meanwhile, Democratic Labor Party candidate Kwon Young-guk declared that he would appoint a civilian as defense minister and dismantle elite military factions.

"I will create a scene where the U.S. and North Korea establish diplomatic ties. Based on active exchanges, I will realize peace on the Korean Peninsula."

The two-hour debate was also intended to address domestic political reform, but was overridden by mudslinging, targeting Lee Jae-myung's ongoing criminal trials and his party's push for legal revision and judiciary reform an apparent attempt to exonerate him.

Kim Moon-soo meanwhile was criticised for his association with impeached President Yoon as other candidates called to close the chapter on the dark legacy of martial law.

Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.