Kim Min-seok: "Lee Nak-yeon’s 'Hotel Charter' is Just One Example... Not Intended as a Measure"

"National Assembly Reviews Various Voices... There May Be Spectrum Differences with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Kim Min-seok, head of the Democratic Party's Seoul mayoral by-election planning team, said regarding the 'hotel jeonse (long-term lease) measure' mentioned by Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon, "It was an example of an overseas case."

On the morning of the 18th, in an interview with CBS Radio, Kim responded to the question, "Yesterday, at the Kwanhoon Club debate, Leader Lee said he was even considering a jeonse measure involving purchasing hotels in Seoul and leasing them out. Is this actually being discussed?" by saying, "You can understand that it was just an example and not something that is being considered as an actual measure."

He explained, "If you look through various domestic and international measures, for example, in the UK, there is something called conversion, where other buildings that can be used for residential purposes are utilized in that way. Recently, this has been used as one example. I understand it was a discussion in the context of exploring all possible methods."

He also added, "Political parties in the National Assembly are reviewing various options reflecting diverse voices from many perspectives," and "(There) may be differences in spectrum with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport."

Earlier, Leader Lee, in response to a question about the 'jeonse measure' at the Kwanhoon Club debate, said, "Among hotels, since the tourism industry has been greatly contracted, some are being put up for sale. I understand that plans to convert hotel rooms into residential use and lease them as jeonse or monthly rent are included," which sparked controversy over its effectiveness.

Meanwhile, when asked if real estate issues are having a significant impact on Seoul public opinion, Kim said, "Elections are always about the spirit of the times. Real estate issues will certainly be an important component among them, but it is not the whole. The direction of Seoul needs to change, and the competition will be about how to comprehensively raise that issue well."

He continued, "To be honest, I do not see this election primarily as a competition against the opposing party. Since the citizens' expectations have risen, I think we just need to focus on meeting those expectations."

Regarding the opinion that the Democratic Party should field a female candidate in this election, he said, "It is not a legally concluded situation, and it is not a matter of male or female, but depends on the candidate's awareness and actions." About Minister Park Young-sun of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups being mentioned as a candidate, he replied, "As far as I know, the female bonus points have mainly been focused on female citizens. The central party will decide."

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