South Korea’s presidential candidates hold first heated debate

The first televised debate between South Korea’s leading presidential candidates, Lee Jae-myung and Kim Moon-soo, highlighted Lee’s push for pragmatic policies amid growing political tension following the oust of former President Yoon Suk-yeol and the looming snap election in June. Lee emphasized the need for denuclearization, investing in high-tech and renewable energy sectors, and prioritizing job creation through measures like lowering tariffs and AI advancements. Meanwhile, his opponent, Kim Moon-soo, pledged to boost economic growth by deregulating regulations and creating jobs.