Na, Park lock horns in first debate

By Chung Min-uck

Na Kyung-won and Park Won-soon, the mayoral candidates representing the conservative and liberal camps, clashed Monday over possible ethical breaches during their first open debate hosted by the Kwanhun Club, a fraternity of senior Korean journalists, at the Press Center, Seoul.

Park was questioned on the allegation that the lawyer-turned-activist had deliberately shortened his military duty through false registration into his younger grandfather’s family. She earlier said she would focus on setting up policy platforms and let her affiliated Grand National Party (GNP) engage in negative campaigns.

For the two camps, winning the Oct. 26 Seoul mayoral by-election is essential in gaining the upper hand for next year’s general and presidential elections as it is considered a litmus test before the two votes. Also the narrowing gap between Park and Na shown in the latest opinion polls is pushing the candidates and their aides into smear campaigns against each other.

Regarding Na’s request for a clear answer to the allegation of exploiting a loophole in