Prime Minister Chung: "Greenbelt Release Must Be Very Cautious... Once Damaged, It Cannot Be Restored"

Kim Hyun-mi Dismissal Debate "Generals Are Not Changed During War"
Park Won-soon Sexual Harassment Allegations "Apologize to the Public... Comfort to the Victims"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 19th regarding the plan to lift the Greenbelt (development-restricted zone) under review by the ruling party and government, "It is right to approach this very cautiously. Once the Greenbelt is damaged, it cannot be restored."

Prime Minister Chung made these remarks during an appearance on KBS 1TV's 'Sunday Diagnosis Live' on the same day.

When asked whether the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport could unilaterally lift the Greenbelt despite opposition from Seoul City, he replied, "I don't know if it is legally possible, but I think it is not desirable to implement policy that way."

Regarding the recent reaffirmation by Kim Sang-jo, Chief of the Blue House Policy Office, of the ruling party and government's stance on reviewing the Greenbelt lifting, which led to interpretations that a conclusion had been reached in favor of lifting, Prime Minister Chung said, "It has not been finalized yet."

He added, "(The plan to expand housing supply) is at the stage of reviewing all possibilities," and said, "We will announce a refined plan as soon as possible without rushing."

He continued, "Since the plan has not been finalized, it is inappropriate for responsible officials to make various remarks as it can confuse the public and send wrong signals to the market."

Prime Minister Chung stated, "The real estate issue is so serious that there is no happy citizen because of it," and "The government recognizes the need for drastic measures."

However, regarding calls for the dismissal of Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Hyun-mi, he drew a line by saying, "There is a saying that you don't change generals during a war," and "This is a matter to be discussed after the situation is resolved; now is not the right timing."

Regarding the late Park Won-soon, former Mayor of Seoul, and allegations of sexual harassment, Prime Minister Chung expressed, "I am truly sorry to the people," and emphasized, "We must take this as an opportunity for turning adversity into opportunity, prepare and judge in a future-oriented way so that such incidents never happen again and the public does not worry about similar cases."

He also said, "I would like to express my sincere condolences to the victims and my regret."

Regarding the decline in President Moon Jae-in's approval rating and the ruling party's support rate, Prime Minister Chung said, "I feel very pained."

When asked if President Moon Jae-in takes the decline in approval ratings seriously, he replied, "He does not show it directly, but I believe he does," and added, "By tacit understanding, he will judge that 'we must prepare well.'"

Regarding some political circles mentioning his potential presidential candidacy, he said, "Those remarks are inappropriate," and "The burden given to me is very heavy and not easy to bear, so it is not proper to have other thoughts."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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