Lee Jae-myung's Remarks on 'Abolishing Short-Haul Flights'... Jeju People Power Party Candidates Protest One After Another

[Jeju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Park Chang-won] The candidates from the People Power Party running in the Jeju region have issued a series of protest statements regarding Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea candidate for the Incheon Gyeyang-eul by-election, who announced the abolition of short-distance flights and the relocation of Gimpo Airport during a broadcast debate.

On the 26th, candidate Lee Jae-myung stated in the debate, "The abolition of short-distance flights is a global trend, and I will relocate Gimpo Airport."

He also continued to speak about the construction of high-speed rail, citing environmental issues caused by domestic flights producing more than 20 times the carbon emissions compared to high-speed rail.

In response, Boo Sang-il, the People Power Party candidate for Jeju-si-eul, said, "No matter how much someone has become a candidate for a specific region's National Assembly, it is an incredibly short-sighted idea to say this as someone who once ran for president of the country," and asked, "Has candidate Lee Jae-myung ever once thought about what impact his statement would have on Jeju if it were realized?"

He added, "Such a statement close to a reckless remark reveals the perception candidate Lee Jae-myung has about our Jeju," and claimed, "It seems he thinks it does not matter what happens to Jeju, as long as his own region does well, and that 'Jeju is a caught fish that can be handled however one wants.' This is also caused by a 'tilted playing field.'"

Heo Hyang-jin, a former tourism professor and the People Power Party candidate for Jeju Governor, also issued an urgent statement.

Candidate Heo emphasized, "Former candidate Lee Jae-myung's remarks in the TV debate are highly disrespectful to Jeju, the treasure island of the world," and stressed, "If a high-speed rail connecting Jeju and the mainland is built, Jeju will lose its identity as an island."

He continued, "What is even more concerning is that Oh Young-hoon, the Democratic Party candidate for Jeju Governor, served as Lee Jae-myung's chief of staff," and pointed out, "When former candidate Lee Jae-myung mentioned reviewing the Jeju undersea tunnel in January, candidate Oh Young-hoon remained silent."

He then publicly questioned, "This can only be interpreted as tacit agreement with Lee Jae-myung's remarks and pledges related to Jeju," and asked, "Does candidate Oh Young-hoon agree or oppose Lee Jae-myung's statements on abolishing domestic air routes and constructing high-speed rail? Please clarify your position."

Jeju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Park Chang-won captain@asiae.co.kr