Won Hee-ryong rumored to run for Gyeyang E; Lee So-young says "Focus on current responsibilities first"

"Yangpyeong Expressway and Jeonse Fraud Victims Neglected"
"If Running for Office, Accept State Audit and Take Responsibility"

Lee So-young, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, pressured Won Hee-ryong, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, who is rumored to run in next year's general election, saying on the 24th, "What you should do now is not to challenge but to take responsibility for what you have done."

At a press conference held at the National Assembly on the same day, Rep. Lee said, "Neglecting the duties you are currently entrusted with and claiming to do new work for the people is nothing but a case of an unprecedentedly irresponsible government official becoming an unprecedentedly irresponsible lawmaker again."

Lee So-young, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

He questioned, "What exactly does Minister Won think is 'necessary work for the people'? Young people are committing suicide due to jeonse fraud, and the scale of the damage has not even been properly grasped yet. What kind of challenge and sacrifice does Minister Won, who is the head of the relevant ministry, intend to make while neglecting these people?"

In political circles, there is speculation that Minister Won may run in Incheon Gyeyang-eul, the constituency of Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, in next year's general election. On the 21st, Minister Won told reporters at the National Assembly, "If it is something needed for the party, I believe I must actively take on any challenge and sacrifice," indicating his willingness to run in a difficult district.

In response, Rep. Lee pointed out, "If he truly cares for the people, there is something urgent that Minister Won should consider," adding, "It is to accept a state audit on the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway controversy and to promptly normalize the national project that he himself had canceled."

He continued, "The deadline for a cabinet member to resign in order to run in the general election is January 11 next year," urging, "If Minister Won intends to step down to run in the election, he should accept the state audit on the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway in December and resolve the issue before doing so. That is the courtesy owed to the people."