Park Sung-min: "'Yeongkkeul' Remark Shows Lack of Youth Sensitivity... Could Be Hurtful"

Kim Hyun-mi "30s All-in Buying... Need to Consider Seoul and New Town Pre-sales"

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, made a surprise appointment of Park Seong-min, a former youth spokesperson and a 20-year-old university student, as one of the nominated Supreme Council members on the 31st of last month. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Hyun-mi sparked controversy with her remarks on the 'panic buying' phenomenon among people in their 30s, referring to the so-called 'youngkkeul' (a term meaning gathering money by pulling together even one's soul). In response, Park Sung-min, a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized, "The political sphere's reaction or the manner itself, which lacks delicacy, can hurt the youth."

On the 2nd, Park said on YTN Radio's 'Starting New Morning,' "There have been several remarks that seem to show a lack of understanding of young people's psychology."

Park added, "In fact, young people are desperate, but instead of saying 'please wait,' there should have been a means to show how policies will be implemented stably. Sensitivity to youth and gender sensitivity are both very necessary in this situation."

He continued, "There is actually no direct channel to listen to young people's stories and communicate during decision-making processes," and criticized, "Politicians from different generations seem to lack many opportunities to directly hear even the trivial to important thoughts of young people."

He further stated, "The Democratic Party is very inadequate regarding youth and gender issues. There have been shortcomings in focusing on only one specific issue or in responding to issues," adding, "Based on this awareness of the problem, I want to embrace various agendas more delicately and continue discussions."

Earlier, on the 25th of last month, at the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee plenary meeting, in response to a question from Democratic Party lawmaker So Byung-hoon asking, "Have you heard that rental apartments and other rental housing owned by landlords are being transferred to individuals?" Minister Kim replied, "Many housing units owned by corporations and multi-homeowners have been traded, and it appears that people in their 30s are buying these by 'youngkkeul.' I feel regretful that people in their 30s are buying what corporations have put on the market by 'youngkkeul,'" which drew criticism.

Minister Kim later stated at the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee on the 31st of last month, "We need to consider whether buying a house by 'youngkkeul' is beneficial in the long term, or whether it is better to wait and purchase at a reasonable price considering the supply volume in Seoul and new towns in the future."

On that day, Minister Kim said, "We think it is better to wait a little longer," and argued, "The term 'panic buying' may cause young people to feel rushed, so softening this atmosphere would help the youth."

In response to a question from Kim Eun-hye of the United Future Party asking, "Shouldn't you express regret over the 'youngkkeul' remarks about real estate among people in their 30s?" she replied, "I don't quite understand the comment."

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