Cheonan Gap Debate, Controversy Over 'Sergeant Chae's Death Pressure Allegations' and More

Moon Jin-seok "Working for regional development including 4 years of Cheonan Station reconstruction and Cheonan Outer Ring Road"
Shin Beom-cheol "Learned regional and national issues while serving as Deputy Minister of National Defense... Will achieve regional development"
Verification of candidate pledges such as Cheonan downtown railway undergrounding and attracting National Defense AI Center

Ahead of the 22nd general election, Moon Jin-seok of the Democratic Party and Shin Beom-cheol of the People Power Party, candidates for the Cheonan Gap constituency, one of the most fiercely contested districts in the Chungnam region, engaged in a heated debate from the very first debate session over each other's key pledges and the controversy surrounding alleged external pressure in the investigation of the death of Marine Corps Corporal Chae.

On the 18th, SK Broadband and the Cheonan City Reporters Association held the "22nd National Assembly Election Candidate Invitation Debate," conducting the first round of verification for the Cheonan Gap candidates.

Democratic Party candidate Moon Jin-seok introduced his achievements over the past four years, including △ reconstruction of Cheonan Station △ attraction of sports and cultural facilities in six eastern townships △ improvement projects for SOC such as the Cheonan outer ring road. He then presented pledges including △ connecting Cheonan Station to Cheongju Airport by rail △ early opening of the GTX-C line △ undergrounding of urban rail △ expansion of startup spaces in the Cheonan Station area.

Candidate Shin Beom-cheol said, "Many people repeatedly mention that the original downtown area of Cheonan Gap and the six eastern townships have been left out of development," adding, "Having served as the Cheonan Gap party committee chairman and Deputy Minister of National Defense, I have learned about regional and national issues, and I will achieve development for the Cheonan Gap area." He then announced pledges including △ early opening of the GTX-C line △ establishment of new metropolitan subway stations at Sinbu, Seongjeong, Cheongsu, and Guryong △ attraction of a National Defense AI Center △ establishment of a botanical garden within the Independence Hall.

Intensive verification was conducted on the candidates' major pledges regarding the undergrounding of Cheonan urban rail and the attraction of the National Defense AI Center. Moon Jin-seok said, "Regarding Shin candidate's pledge to attract the National Defense AI Center, many in the region say it seems out of place," pointing out, "To attract any institution, connectivity with adjacent industries, feasibility, and the will of local governments are most important, but Cheonan lacks both connectivity and feasibility. Moreover, Chungnam Governor Kim Tae-heum already mentioned Nonsan and Gyeryong as candidate locations for the center last year."

In response, Shin said, "The National Defense AI Center is in the growth phase, so its location has not been decided," adding, "With the extension of the GTX-C line to Cheonan and Asan, the southern boundary for research and other highly skilled personnel has reached Cheonan. If we attract the center and bring in additional related projects, it will help revitalize the entire Cheonan economy."

Shin Beom-cheol criticized, "Regarding Moon candidate's pledge to underground the urban rail in Cheonan, there are no specific budgets or timelines," and asked, "Since this was announced as a Democratic Party pledge, was Cheonan included as well? Please clarify the concrete implementation plan."

Moon responded, "The urban rail undergrounding special law allows private operators to undertake the project without national funding, so financial requirements are irrelevant," adding, "President Yoon and People Power Party Emergency Committee Chairman Han Dong-hoon have also pledged to underground urban rail nationwide during their tours."

Sharp exchanges continued over the controversy of alleged external pressure in the investigation of the death of Marine Corps Corporal Chae during Shin Beom-cheol's tenure as Deputy Minister of National Defense. Moon Jin-seok said, "The key figure in the external pressure allegations, former Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-seop, was appointed and departed as ambassador to Australia, drawing criticism from the majority of the public," and asked, "Many citizens, media, and even the ruling party are calling for his return. What is your view on this, candidate Shin?"

Shin Beom-cheol replied, "The claim of external pressure is a one-sided assertion, and internally, it seems the personnel screening process found no issues," adding, "The withdrawal of the appointment is the appointing authority's decision, which will consider public opinion comprehensively. We need to take a broader view and properly reflect public sentiment to meet their expectations."

Moon countered, "Shin candidate denies external pressure in this case, but evidence of such pressure is gradually emerging," to which Shin responded, "If there was external pressure, the person who was pressured must clearly state when, where, and what kind of pressure occurred, but no such information has been disclosed. Right after the incident, all Marine Corps materials were handed over to the police, and the minister's instruction at the time was to review the case again after a business trip, which is a legal right of the minister."

Meanwhile, the debate will be broadcast on the 19th on SK Broadband Channel 1 at 11:30 a.m., 7:30 p.m., and 11:00 p.m. as a recorded program.