Jeong Sye-gyun "Capital Relocation and Real Estate Measures Are Separate Issues... Supply Measures Will Be Announced Soon"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun drew a clear line on the 24th, stating, "The issue of relocating the capital and real estate measures are fundamentally different matters."

On the afternoon of the same day, during the National Assembly's government questioning session, Prime Minister Chung responded to Rep. Lee Myung-soo of the United Future Party's remark that "the capital relocation should be considered comprehensively and is not a measure to solve real estate issues." This dismissed the opposition party's view that the capital relocation card was brought out as a measure to address housing prices in the metropolitan area.

Prime Minister Chung said, "If the capital relocation is perceived as a real estate measure, then that is a different perception," adding, "There has never been a plan made for relocating the administrative capital, so the government has not calculated the project costs, and I understand that it is being seriously reviewed at the party level."

Rep. Lee criticized the ruling party's sincerity, saying, "If the administration truly considered it important, it should have been mentioned in the president's speech," and "There was no serious and sufficient review on such a sensitive issue that requires public consensus." He added, "Currently, proposals like merging Daejeon with Sejong Special City or relocating Seoul National University are only causing waves; is the government handling this properly?" and "If the relocation is done without preparation, it will not gain trust."

Regarding housing supply measures as part of real estate policies, Prime Minister Chung stated, "The government will be able to announce something within a short period." He said, "One of the options is to utilize the Taereung Golf Course as a public development plan for the homeless, youth, and newlyweds. The housing supply task force in the central government and the Seoul Metropolitan Government are currently in consultation."

On the discovery of larvae in tap water nationwide, starting from Incheon, he said, "In this case, I do not think the response was swift enough to meet the public's expectations," and added, "We are conducting a full inspection of water purification plants nationwide, not just in Incheon, and taking necessary measures."

Regarding the investigation into the sexual harassment case of the late former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, Prime Minister Chung said, "The police are handling their part, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government and other relevant institutions are taking necessary actions based on the victim's report or request. The central government is also providing necessary support under the Sexual Violence Victim Protection Act," emphasizing, "There is no reason to downplay, distort, or exaggerate anything. However, since actions cannot be taken based on public opinion, the related agencies will, according to the law, carry out their duties properly and timely."

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