South Korea's three presidential candidates are gearing up for their second television debate Monday, nine days before what polls suggest would be a tight race between the conservative favorite and the liberal challenger.

Park Geun-hye of the ruling Saenuri Party, Moon Jae-in of the center-left main opposition Democratic Untied Party and Lee Jung- hee of the left-leaning Untied Progressive Party are expected to discuss economic issues ranging from job creation to state welfare programs.

Lee, a leftist running a distant third in all polls, proved an unlikely star during their first debate last week with her acerbic barbs targeted at Park, at one point declaring her aim is to thwart Park's presidential bid.

Park was visibly shaken by Lee's accusation of her role as the de facto first lady to late dictator Park Chung-hee, whose 18-year authoritarian rule is still subject to fierce partisan debate.

Moon, a former human rights lawyer who also served as chief of staff to late President Roh Moo-hyun, appeared relatively inanimate during the 100-mintue debate that centered on foreign policy.

Speculation has arisen whether Lee, who is polling less than one percent, will step down before the Dec. 19 election to help what is shaping to be an increasingly tight race swing in Moon's favor.

Most polls have shown Park having a slight lead over Moon within the margin of error. The latest survey by conservative daily Chosun Ilbo put Park at 47.5 percent compared with Moon at 42.7 percent.