'Ilta Gangsa' Jeon Hangil: "Useless XX... Criminal Lawmakers Should Retire from Politics"

Video of remarks made during lecture sparks late controversy
"The nation is disappointed and divided because of you"

Jeon Han-gil (52), known as a top instructor in the Korean history section of the civil service exam, sparked controversy after it was revealed that he stated during a lecture, "Those who have committed past illegal acts or crimes, or who currently have legal issues, should declare their retirement from politics."

On the 7th, a short video titled "Members of the National Assembly Should Be Honest People" was uploaded on the civil service exam specialized YouTube channel 'Nangong TV.' Although the video was posted on February 26, it has recently gained popularity due to the election period. As of 10:30 a.m. that day, the video had nearly 1.3 million views.

In the video, Jeon said, "Because of you, the people are disappointed and divided. Quit being useless members of the National Assembly," adding, "Only then can our country be revived." He continued, "Only those who truly work hard for the country and the people should become members of the National Assembly and leaders," and "Then the people can unite as one."

Jeon questioned, "Our sons and daughters should look up to and take as role models people like this, but how can they take those people (lawbreaking politicians) as role models?" He added, "I am making these remarks on the premise that I will never enter politics. I am mostly speaking on behalf of the people."

Regarding the political apathy among the 20s and 30s generations, he said, "MZ (Millennial + Generation Z) youth are not interested in politics right now. They criticize it. Why has this happened? Because all the political leaders have become a bunch of useless XX."

Among 952 General Election Candidates, 305 (32%) Have Criminal Records

According to data released by the Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice (CCEJ), out of 952 general election candidates, 305 (32%) had criminal records. This is based on an analysis of criminal and asset data disclosed by the Central Election Commission at the end of last month. By party, the Democratic Party and the Democratic United Party had the highest number with 100 candidates (36.2%). The People Power Party and Future Korea had 59 candidates (20.4%), the Reform New Party had 19 (35.8%), the New Future Party had 14 (35.9%), and the Green Justice Party had 11 (35.5%).

Meanwhile, Jeon has previously attracted attention for his outspoken remarks during lectures.

In a video from February, regarding the controversy over the movie 'The Founding War' about former President Syngman Rhee, he said, "It's stranger for people to say not to watch it. That's misleading." Targeting some historians who criticized the nature of the film, he said, "Thinking that what you know is everything is just ignorant," and claimed, "Wasn't land reform done well, and didn't we successfully fend off the Korean War and communism? Thanks to that, our country's GDP is now 30 times higher than North Korea's."

In November last year, addressing social criticism of civil service jobs, he emphasized the need to improve perceptions of civil servants, saying, "The public should not view civil servants antagonistically. They should be seen as one." He added, "Even civil servants who contribute to national interests do not receive higher pay," and "We must recognize the honor of civil servants who work with responsibility." He also said, "If firefighters and police officers are treated like trash, which civil servant would risk their life to fight?"