South Korea

But his remarks over homosexuality during a televised debate on Tuesday left many of his supporters scratching their heads.

The entrepreneur-turned-politician, however, began to lose the trust of the public after failing to leave any strong impression on a series of televised presidential debates with other candidates.

Since the custom began in the 1992 campaign, the debates among presidential candidates have always been important, but usually to strengthen support bases rather than chipping away at rivals’ supporters.

Televised debates among the five presidential candidates are becoming increasingly influential among voters, impacting opinion polls that reflect their performance the following day. The past three televised debates held April 13, 19 and 23, influenced voters as contenders competed on diverse issues

Ahn's decline was widely attributed to his performance in a series of presidential debates, which some said was unprofessional, and negative allegations involving his campaign team and his wife.

South Korea's presidential campaign turned nasty Sunday as candidates focused on attacking rivals during their third TV debate over alleged wrongdoings from kowtowing to North Korea to assisting an attempted rape and to fanning malicious rumors.

South Korea's presidential campaign turned nasty Sunday as candidates focused on attacking rivals during their third TV debate over alleged wrongdoings, from kowtowing to North Korea to assisting in an attempted rape and fanning malicious rumors.

Local experts have shown mixed reactions regarding the format of the scriptless two-hour discussion session. Some viewed it as a breath of fresh air, saying that viewers rarely get to see how presidential candidates handle impromptu questions by their opponents and without their campaign advisers

It will be divided into two sessions: one on politics, diplomacy and national security and the other on educational, economic, social and cultural issues.

Hosted by the Korean Broadcasting System, the two-hour debate will be conducted in the form of a standing debate for the first time, during which the participants will debate standing up.

The upcoming presidential election is significant in view of difficulties at home and abroad. Through a one-to-one debate, the two likely candidates need to detail their pledges and show their traits as potential president.