[Comprehensive] Criticism of Moon Administration's Real Estate Policy by Jo Gisuk: "I Only Thought This Year Was the Last Chance to Correct the Policy"

Jogi-sook Criticizes Moon Administration's Real Estate Policies Repeatedly
"Switched Facebook Posts to Private to Avoid Setting the Stage for Media"

Joo Ki-sook, Professor at Ewha Womans University Graduate School of International Studies / Photo by Professor Joo Ki-sook Facebook capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Professor Cho Gisuk, who served as the Blue House Chief of Public Relations during former President Roh Moo-hyun's administration, posted a critique of the Moon Jae-in administration's real estate policy and became embroiled in controversy over allegations that she was criticized by 'pro-Moon' supporters. In response, Professor Cho actively clarified the situation through exchanges with netizens, pointing out that contrary to media reports, she was not criticized by supporters.

In particular, regarding media reports that she deleted her post criticizing the real estate policy, she clarified that it was not deleted but set to "private view."

On the 29th, Professor Cho explained on her Facebook that her post criticizing the Moon administration's real estate policy suddenly disappeared because "I did not delete my Facebook post." She added, "The reason I set my post to private view was that I felt the message I wanted to convey to the President had been sufficiently delivered, so it was time to observe the government's response. It was also intended to avoid providing a platform for the media to politically escalate the real estate policy issue."

Earlier, when the critical post disappeared from Professor Cho's Facebook, some media outlets raised suspicions that she deleted it after being attacked by 'hardline pro-Moon' supporters.

She further wrote, "I sometimes see people who claim to be supporters of President Moon but behave abusively and use harsh language. I don't know if they are true supporters, but if they use harsh language, I just block them," adding, "I do not pay attention to irrational criticism."

She also added, "Among my close friends, many are strong supporters of the President, but I have received many messages thanking me for giving honest criticism that the current government needs."

Professor Cho actively communicated with netizens through comments on the post. One netizen asked, "Professor, I want to ask whether you '1. did not know, 2. knew but wrote, or 3. wrote because you knew' about the impact your post would cause."

In response, Professor Cho said, "I believe the media environment during the Participatory Government and now is completely different. I do not think I am obliged to answer your question with a yes or no. I find it a very rude question, and I believe dialogue is only possible when both parties respect each other."

Another netizen wrote, "The media only took parts of your article they wanted and wrote about it. They just applaud without criticism? I think that's dictatorship. Anyway, it's a regrettable and frustrating situation."

To this comment, she replied, "There are so many different kinds of people in the world. You have to accept that not everyone will be like you to find peace of mind."

Moreover, Professor Cho explained in response to comments agreeing with her criticism of the real estate issue, "Next year is already too late, and I criticized because I believe this year is the last chance to correct the policy."

Regarding comments pointing out mistakes by President Moon's aides, she mentioned, "Ultimately, the leader is responsible for the mistakes of subordinates."

Earlier on the same day, Professor Cho criticized the current government's real estate policy in another Facebook post, saying, "Even if the Moon administration has given up on education, I hope they at least moderate their real estate policy."

She said, "Real estate policy is a policy closely related to people's lives and property," adding, "The public is not a test subject, and no matter how many measures are introduced, if they do not work, it is only natural to listen to various opinions and bring about policy changes. High approval ratings have caused the omission of this natural policy decision process."

This post was her second criticism following her post on the 28th titled "It is necessary to check whether President Moon's perception of real estate is accurate." The Moon administration has introduced 22 real estate policies to curb speculation and stabilize housing prices.

At that time, Professor Cho posted an article titled "Wise Jeonse Life" on her Facebook, pointing out, "These days, Jeonse (long-term lease) is scarce. Jeonse prices are rising day by day."

She also shared, "Two years ago, I had an opportunity to talk about real estate with a close aide of President Moon," adding, "I heard that President Moon said, 'Like Japan, our housing prices will soon collapse, so don't buy a house and wait.'"

She continued, "In Japan, although new towns near Tokyo have become deserted, Tokyo housing prices have steadily risen, and prices in the central area have hardly fallen," questioning, "Is it reasonable to apply the decline of Japanese new towns to our country, where concentration in the metropolitan area is high?"

She also pointed out that the failure of the Moon administration's real estate policy stems from a lack of expertise. She said, "I believe the failure of this government's real estate policy is due to a lack of expertise," adding, "I do not recall many multi-homeowners among high-ranking officials during the Participatory Government, but I was shocked that there are many multi-homeowners in this government."

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