[Summary] President Moon Says "I Will Control Housing Prices," While Democratic Party's Jin Seong-jun Admits "Prices Won't Fall Anyway"

With Jin Seong-jun, when the debate microphone was turned off, "House prices won't fall"

Jinseongjun, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 13th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] On the 16th, Jin Seong-jun, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, sparked controversy by saying, "Even if you do that, (real estate prices) will not fall," while the microphone was still on after finishing a debate on the 7.10 real estate measures on MBC's '100-Minute Debate.' The remark was broadcast live nationwide as it was.

Coincidentally, that day was when President Moon Jae-in attended the opening ceremony at the National Assembly and declared that all means would be prepared to stabilize housing prices, leading to criticism that a ruling party lawmaker showed a stance contrary to the president's position. The Blue House and the government have previously prepared various measures to stabilize real estate. Concerns have also been raised that Jin's remark might undermine the efforts made so far.

On that day, President Moon emphasized at the National Assembly, "The government will take all necessary measures to curb speculation and stabilize housing prices. We will increase the housing holding burden on multi-homeowners and significantly raise capital gains tax on price differences to make it clear that no more money can be made through real estate speculation."

He continued, "On the other hand, we will ease the burden on actual residents with one household and one home and strongly promote measures for the purchase of housing and residential stability for ordinary citizens and young people as actual demanders. We will also actively seek necessary measures while listening to the opposition's calls for expanding housing supply."

President Moon Jae-in is delivering a speech at the opening ceremony of the 21st National Assembly held at the National Assembly on the 16th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

He then urged the opposition, saying, "If the National Assembly does not support the government's real estate measures, including the 'Three Lease Laws,' through legislation, the government's measures will always be half-hearted."

However, Jin's remarks during the broadcast debate contrast with the president's statements on real estate measures.

Although the government declared it would do whatever it takes to stabilize housing prices, Jin's remarks suggest that real estate prices will not fall despite government efforts, raising concerns that the Blue House and the ruling party are out of sync.

During the broadcast on the theme "Will housing prices really be controlled this time?" Jin greeted the panelists after the debate ended. At this time, Kim Hyun-ah, a conservative panelist and emergency committee member of the United Future Party, said, "It is too burdensome for the national economy if (housing prices) fall, so they cannot be allowed to fall indiscriminately."

Jin replied, "Even if you do that, they won't fall. Real estate is not something that started yesterday or today."

Kim responded, "What will the people do if a ruling party (National Assembly) Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee member says that?" Jin did not answer.

The remark came after the host's closing remarks, while the microphone was still on, during a conversation among the debaters. It is presumed that Jin thought the broadcast was completely over when he made the comment. Currently, the replay video on the MBC homepage has that part deleted.

Earlier in the debate, Jin represented the government's position and emphasized the necessity of the 7.10 real estate measures. He said, "Now is the time to establish the principles of real estate policy. This should not be a policy maintained just because this government is in power; even if the administration changes, this policy should continue."

He added, "I think social consensus is needed on the principles of real estate policy. Now is the time to agree on the principle of one household, one home, and to agree on various policy measures to realize that."

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