Woo Won-sik "Special law is good, but any method for the administrative capital is acceptable if agreed upon"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] The Democratic Party of Korea has expressed its willingness to accept any method?special legislation, a national referendum, or constitutional amendment?regarding the relocation of the administrative capital, as long as there is an agreement with the opposition party.

On the 29th, Woo Won-sik, head of the Democratic Party's Administrative Capital Completion Promotion Team, appeared on YTN Radio's 'Start Morning' and said, "As long as there is bipartisan agreement, any method is acceptable," adding, "We need to examine the pros and cons of the three methods and find the most realistic approach."

He continued, "I think special legislation is preferable, but if that is insufficient, we can also consider a national referendum or constitutional amendment. We do not have a fixed method and plan to reach a conclusion by the end of the year through consultations with the opposition." He urged the opposition to engage in discussions, including the formation of a special committee, as the Democratic Party is willing to accept the methods the opposition demands.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the leadership of the United Future Party. Woo said, "Within the United Future Party, voices are emerging from figures such as Representative Jeong Jin-seok, Kim Byung-joon, chairman of the Sejong City party, Daegu Mayor Kwon Young-jin, Busan (constituency) Representative Jang Je-won, and former Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, calling for the party to actively promote and review this issue at the party level," adding, "Chairman Kim Jong-in is trying to block national balanced development by resorting to extreme measures such as a gag order, but this is the demand of the people. If we persuade the opposition sincerely, a dialogue can be opened."

He also criticized, saying, "Former President Park Chung-hee announced the construction of a temporary administrative capital in February 1977 during the Seoul City New Year inspection to control population growth and expand roads, including unification measures. However, it was thwarted by the October 26 incident. I am not sure whether Chairman Kim Jong-in’s memory has faded or if he is altering facts to block the administrative capital."

He pointed out that stabilizing real estate in the metropolitan area is not the essence of relocating the administrative capital. Woo said, "It is uncertain how effective relocating the administrative capital will be in stabilizing housing prices in the metropolitan area," adding, "Completing the administrative capital is aimed at balanced national development and resolving regional imbalances caused by metropolitan overpopulation. If the real estate market stabilizes as a result, that would be positive."

Regarding the instability of housing prices in Sejong City, he mentioned, "If necessary, the government should implement strong measures to prevent speculative sentiment from taking hold."

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