Jeon Hae-cheol: Re-nomination Amidst Kim Nam-guk Crypto Scandal 'Not Desirable'

Former Democratic Party lawmaker Jeon Hae-cheol has expressed a negative stance on re-nominations following the controversy surrounding party spokesperson Kim Nam-guk's virtual asset (cryptocurrency) holdings. Jeon argued that Kim Nam-guk, who announced his candidacy for the Ansan Gap by-election, and Kim Yong, former deputy director of the Democratic Institute, should have their nominations decided through primary elections where they face direct judgment from citizens, rather than through strategic nominations. He specifically pointed out that it would be difficult for citizens to accept the situation where spokesperson Kim Nam-guk, after defecting from the party due to cryptocurrency issues, seeks nomination again in the same constituency.

Addressing the view that the Ansan Gap by-election is shaping up as a three-way contest between spokesperson Kim Nam-guk, former deputy director Kim Yong, and former lawmaker Jeon Hae-cheol, and is being interpreted as a 'pro-Lee vs. pro-Moon' dynamic, Jeon dismissed such categorizations as inappropriate attempts to sow division and conflict. He emphasized that candidates in by-elections necessitated by alleged illegal activities must demonstrate strong ethical standards.

Furthermore, Jeon refuted claims made by former deputy director Kim Yong in a recent interview, which targeted Jeon and alleged he led efforts to approve the warrant for the arrest of then-party leader Lee Jae-myung. Jeon called these claims outright falsehoods and political attacks. He explained that the situation at the time involved the party leader declaring the abandonment of the arrest warrant, which was subsequently adopted as party policy. He added that he had voiced his position at a general assembly attended by numerous lawmakers and expressed his hope that such false claims would cease.

Regarding local issues in Ansan Gap, Jeon highlighted the urgent completion and further extension of the Sinansan Line. He noted that the Sinansan Line, which should have been completed by the end of last year according to schedule, now has an uncertain completion date. He also pointed out the sluggish progress of national projects, including his own efforts in attracting the GTX-C line to Sangnoksu Station, and pledged to thoroughly review the progress and work towards its swift realization, presenting the transportation development of the Ansan region as a key policy initiative.