内容摘要：Fazan, a Kashmiri boy, kisses Luna his pet cat at the Kashmir veterinary hospital in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Friday, Feb. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)

Fazan, a Kashmiri boy, kisses Luna his pet cat at the Kashmir veterinary hospital in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Friday, Feb. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)

During the presidential debate, Lee claimed Yoon would return as a “shadow ruler” behind Kim, and Kim skirted Lee’s question about whether he would pardon Yoon.The “room salon” is a long-standing symbol of South Korea’s male-oriented nightlife culture. The expensive, private karaoke bar where hostesses drink and sing with male customers abruptly emerged as a hot election issue.

Lee’s party alleged a judge handling Yoon’s rebellion trial visited one of the bars in affluent southern Seoul last year with two unidentified people. It said his companions paid the bill and they were likely linked to his work as a judge, representing a conflict of interest.The judge, Jee Kui-youn, has been at the center of bipartisan wrangling since he approved Yoon’s release from prison in March and allowed him to stand his trial without physical detention.“We should strip him of his judge robe,” party spokesperson Noh Jongmyun said. “Isn’t it preposterous for him to serve as chief judge for the rebellion trial where the fate of Korea’s democracy lies?”

Jee denied the allegations, saying that like many ordinary people he enjoys “samgyeopsal,” grilled pork bellies, and “somaek,” shots mixing beer and the traditional Korean liquor soju.Conservative critics accuse the Democratic Party of trying to tame the judiciary branch as Lee faces five criminal trials over corruption and other allegations.

South Korea does not hold a second round of runoff elections. Subsequently, when there is a clear frontrunner it is common for two remaining rivals to launch a unified campaign in which one withdraws and supports the other in exchange for a high-profile role in the government.

With Lee maintaining a solid lead, this year’s race saw a similar maneuver among conservatives, but the extremely chaotic, undemocratic manner failed and hurt Kim’s campaign.South Korea does not hold a second round of runoff elections. Subsequently, when there is a clear frontrunner it is common for two remaining rivals to launch a unified campaign in which one withdraws and supports the other in exchange for a high-profile role in the government.

With Lee maintaining a solid lead, this year’s race saw a similar maneuver among conservatives, but the extremely chaotic, undemocratic manner failed and hurt Kim’s campaign.Believing Han Duck-soo, Yoon’s former prime minister, had a better chance of defeating Lee, PPP leaders consisting primarily of Yoon loyalists held late night, emergency meetings to cancel Kim’s nomination and push a candidacy by Han, an independent. The attempt was rejected the next day in a vote by party members.

Kim called the move “an overnight political coup” and later made efforts to align with Lee Joon-seok, the candidate of the smaller conservative party. Lee has flatly rejected the overture.The landslide that buried