Kim Min-seok, Head of Seoul Election Planning Team, "Considering Various Measures Including Hotel Charter"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Kim Min-seok, head of the Democratic Party's Seoul mayoral by-election planning team, revealed that the authorities are reviewing the 'hotel lease' mentioned by Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon as part of the lease policy measures.

On the morning of the 18th, in an interview with CBS Radio, when asked about the housing measures utilizing hotels mentioned by Leader Lee, Kim responded, "The authorities are reviewing various measures, including even those." Leader Lee said at the previous day’s Kwanhun Club debate that regarding the 'lease policy,' "Some hotels are being put up for lease as the tourism industry has been greatly contracted, and I understand that plans to convert hotel rooms into residential use for lease or monthly rent are included."

When asked about criticisms that it is a 'showy measure,' Kim explained, "There are already foreign cases," adding, "For ultra-short-term measures, it is not possible to quickly create houses in just a few days, so this is one of the ideas being reviewed from that perspective." He continued, "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," but added, "Please understand that this was not meant to be presented as a definite policy."

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

He emphasized, "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 legally finalized yet, and it depends not on whether the candidate is male or female, but on their awareness and actions." About Minister of SMEs and Startups Park Young-sun 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.