[My Election] Startup CEO "Regulations on Empty Houses Too?... For the 'Future'"

Nam Seongjun, CEO of Dajayo

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has torn daily life apart. It is an 'inconvenience' for everyone, but especially some are worried not only about health but also about 'economic survival.' Amid this, a general election is being held. It is a moment that makes us reconsider the role of the nation and politics. It is not a 'someone else's election' but 'my election.' This is a proposition that applies to everyone without exception. We met five voters: a mother anxious about the postponed school opening, a pharmacist on the front lines of the mask war, a startup CEO hampered by regulations, a businessperson who calls the Kaesong Industrial Complex era a "golden age," and a self-employed person with nothing but sighs. [Editor's note]

"I thought, 'Since they are going to use empty houses anyway, what kind of regulations could there be here?' But it wasn't like that. Politics? If this were a company, it would be grounds for dismissal. Still, I can't help but have expectations."

Nam Seong-jun (46), CEO of the accommodation-sharing startup 'Dajayo,' seemed to be in a complicated state of mind. Although many Korean startups are hitting walls, he believes that if they overcome them, they can leap into global companies.

He has considerable dissatisfaction with the political sphere. Nam said, "I vote every time, but honestly, I often wonder if things can really change," adding, "Looking at the implementation rate of pledges and passed bills from the 20th general election, nothing substantial has been done. If this were a company, it would be grounds for dismissal, so it's fortunate that it's not."

Above all, he says he is hampered by regulations. He lamented, "In Europe, there are many beautiful outdoor cafes, but here, outdoor business regulations are strict," and added, "Hotels are being built after demolishing scenic places, but we want to operate accommodations through regeneration that preserves the characteristics and scenery of each region. However, due to regulations, this has been halted."

He believes that mistakes like destroying unique villages across the country through development, as happened with 'Pimatgol,' a representative food alley in Seoul that disappeared, must be avoided. It is not about 'big and new' but 'preserving and revitalizing as they are.'

The key to shared accommodation is safety, and information and communication technology is central to this. Nam believes the political sphere has failed to embrace this new wave. He said, "Politicians say it's a good business, but they often say they can't help because there are people opposing it," criticizing, "Isn't politics about mediating conflicts and preparing for the future? They are only conscious of votes."

Therefore, for him, 'my election' is about the 'future.' Nam emphasized, "Apps that pick up laundry, fold it well, and return it are spreading. In the future, washing machines in each household might disappear," and added, "I hope more young politicians who can prepare well for such a changing future will emerge. Just as the world's first free internet phone came out of Korea in the past, I believe global companies will continue to emerge. The premise is changes in regulation and perception."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.