Lee Kwang-jae, the Democratic Party candidate for the Hanam-gap by-election, responded to criticism from People Power Party lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo regarding his strategic nomination, stating, "I will take it as a call to love Hanam more."
During a press conference at the National Assembly on April 30, Lee said, "Korean football reached the semifinals after hiring coach Guus Hiddink, and Tottenham became stronger with Son Heung-min."
Earlier, Ahn criticized Lee on Facebook, saying, "This is the third strategic nomination in a row: 2022 in Gangwon, 2024 in Bundang, and now 2026 in Hanam. It would not be an exaggeration to say his profession is a strategic nominee."
Lee explained, "I came to Hanam to work. I have started addressing local issues." He identified transportation and railway networks as Hanam's biggest challenges, adding that he has discussed these matters with the chair of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, Maeng Seong-kyu, and that Democratic Party members of the committee will visit Hanam soon.
Furthermore, Lee declared, "The report card of Hanam will be the report card of politician Lee Kwang-jae. I will bet my political fate on Hanam's success."
He expressed confidence, stating, "I will pour all my experience into Hanam. I will clearly demonstrate that electing the right politician can change the lives of citizens."
This nomination was influenced by Lee's spirit of 'putting the party before personal gain.' Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae previously praised Lee for not running in this local election to support Woo Sang-ho, the party's candidate for Gangwon governor, hinting at the possibility of a by-election nomination. Subsequently, Lee was confirmed as the candidate for Hanam-gap.
When asked by reporters if he felt regret about leaving Gangwon Province, where he has a deep affection, Lee replied, "The water born in Gangwon flows to Hanam, where the Han River is. Now, I will focus on Hanam."
If elected in this election, Lee will return to the National Assembly nearly four years after resigning to run for Gangwon governor in April 2022.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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