Controversy Over Appointment of Opposition Party Secretary in Land Committee... Moon Jeong-bok "Person Who Supported the 3 Real Estate Laws"

Photo by MBC Investigation Planning 'Straight' screen capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] At the full meeting of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee held on the 28th, a humorous incident occurred regarding the appointment of the opposition party's secretary of the committee. Moon Jeong-bok, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, opposed the appointment, saying that the opposition member had "caused the rise in real estate prices by supporting the passage of the three real estate laws."

At the full committee meeting that day, Moon said, "Although it is customary for the ruling and opposition parties to agree on appointments, from the public's perspective, the opposition party's secretary does not meet the public's expectations," and insisted, "Let's appoint the secretary by vote."

As a reason, he pointed out that the recent MBC program "Straight" identified the 19th National Assembly members who voted in favor of the three real estate laws as the main culprits for the rise in real estate prices, and that Lee Heon-seung, an opposition party member from the United Future Party and the secretary of the committee, was one of them.

In response, Lee said, "There is no clear reason to disqualify me from being the secretary of the Land Committee," and added, "From that perspective, all public officials living in Gangnam and Seocho should stop their official duties."

He continued, "Currently, two vice ministers who formulate major policies at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport own houses in Gangnam and Seocho, and house prices have risen by 50% since the Moon administration. Should they also quit? I did not speculate; I lived in a rented house for eight years, bought my own house in 1995, and now I am purchasing a new house due to redevelopment. It is not polite for fellow lawmakers to accuse me of speculation."

Ha Young-je, a member of the United Future Party, said during a procedural speech, "Just as you elect the Democratic Party's secretary, please leave the appointment of our party's secretary to us," and added, "Lee explained the issue pointed out by Moon in front of the public, and if I were Moon, I would apologize."

Park Seong-min, also from the United Future Party, pointed out, "According to Moon's remarks, all those living in Gangnam or owning two houses should be disqualified from the Land Committee," and said, "Each party's secretary represents their respective party."

In response, Jin Sun-mi, chairwoman of the Land Committee, asked Moon, "Could you please refrain from raising objections? Please understand," and the appointment of the secretary was concluded by consensus. Lee expressed his feelings upon being appointed secretary, saying, "I will respect the opinions of those who oppose me."

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