I have this fluorescent light above the sink in my garage and I've noticed that the wire going into the light looks like lamp cord or speaker wire (see photos). I'm doing some remodel work on the opposite side of the wall and found that the wire is routed through the front of the jbox, not through a knockout, which I know is illegal. This makes me think the wire that the previous homeowner used is illegal too. Can someone confirm.

I plan to replace with romex since I have it opened up but want to know if my intuition is correct.

Thanks!