The televised debate among candidates for the Busan Buk-gu A district National Assembly by-election in the June 3 local elections devolved into a brawl marred by various allegations rather than a policy contest. Ha Jung-woo of the Democratic Party of Korea raised the campaign office controversy against independent candidate Han Dong-hoon, while Park Min-sik of the People Power Party pressed Han over the legitimacy of prosecutors' sentencing recommendation against former President Park Geun-hye, with concentrated attacks unfolding against Han.
At the National Assembly by-election debate held at Busan MBC on the 28th, Ha criticized Han, saying, "Recently, you have set up a quasi-campaign office, and outsiders without voting rights are roaming around inconveniencing residents," adding that it "looks like a fly-by-night operation." Han countered, "They say outsiders are muddying Buk-gu's waters, but if we turn Buk-gu into an island by telling outsiders not to come, there is no future for Buk-gu."
Ha also brought up the controversy over Han's party member bulletin board. "I am curious whether the news of identity theft is true or not," he said. "If it is not true, why don't you file a complaint?" Han responded, "I could understand if Candidate Park raised the bulletin board issue, but I didn't expect Candidate Ha to bring it up," adding, "It has already been reported as the spread of false information. I have stated that there is no such thing."
Han raised allegations of "stock parking" involving Upstage against Ha. In response, Ha said, "I received permission from the internal team head," adding, "There are documents, so check with Naver." Han then continued his offensive, saying, "It's a competitor in AI — did you receive board approval? Wouldn't you only earn 10 billion won if Naver collapses and Upstage thrives?" Ha rebutted, "I received it as an educational advisor, and there is no conflict of interest."
Han brought up Ha's appearance on broadcaster Kim Ou-joon's YouTube channel, saying, "It looks like you are being coached by Kim Ou-joon," and asked, "Why do you keep appearing on the Kim Ou-joon Show?" Ha responded, "I have never been coached. Local residents asked me to appear on broadcasts to explain the local situation, so I diligently explained it."
Park pressured Han regarding the case of former President Park Geun-hye. "The court records show that you attended the court at the time of the 2018 Park Geun-hye case," Park said. "Was the sentencing recommendation of 30 years in prison and a fine of 118.5 billion won — for what was neither a heinous crime like Yoo Young-chul's nor high treason — appropriate?" Han said, "It is true that I was involved in that case, but on a human level I feel sorry."
Park criticized Ha, saying, "When you were born in October 1977, Buk-gu did not exist, so writing 'born in Buk-gu' on your business card violates the Public Official Election Act." Ha shot back, "Is that a question that helps the development of Buk-gu? I would appreciate constructive questions."
