Byeon Chang-heum: "Positive Effects of the Three Lease Laws"... Opposition Party Pressures Voluntary Resignation

Emphasizing Alignment with Current Government Policies
Announcing Strengthened Tenant Protections
Opposition Focuses Fire on 'Controversial Remarks and Parachute Appointments'
Ruling Party Defends by Highlighting Expertise

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, holds a press briefing on recent issues at the National Assembly on the 23rd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy reporters Yoo In-ho and Lim Chun-han] On the 23rd, the ruling and opposition parties continued fierce debates over the suitability of Byeon Chang-heum, the nominee for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The People Power Party pressured Byeon, the 'top candidate for dismissal,' to voluntarily withdraw and even mentioned legal actions. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party of Korea focused on policy verification by highlighting Byeon's expertise.

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, held a press conference at the National Assembly on the same day, stating, "We strongly demand that nominee Byeon either voluntarily withdraw or that President Moon Jae-in retract his nomination," criticizing, "His inappropriate conduct and reckless remarks, as well as favoritism toward acquaintances, allegations of his eldest daughter's false internship, and 'Yeongkkeul' apartment purchases, are too numerous to list."

People Power Party members of the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee are holding placards and urging candidate Byeon Chang-heum to withdraw during the confirmation hearing for the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport held at the National Assembly on the 23rd. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

The most significant criticism faced is the 'controversy over offensive remarks.' In the past, while serving as president of the Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation (SH), Byeon made comments that seemed to blame the victims for the Guui Station screen door accident, drawing public criticism. In his opening statement at the confirmation hearing, Byeon said, "I sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt by my remarks." The day before, Byeon visited the hunger strike site of the late Kim Yong-gyun's mother without prior notice and bowed his head, but the apology was not accepted. The Justice Party stated that without the bereaved family's forgiveness, it would be difficult to adopt the confirmation report.

The People Power Party raised suspicions of Byeon's parachute appointment. Rep. Lee Jong-bae of the People Power Party claimed that among the nine senior executives at SH hired at grade 1 or above, seven were his alumni or acquaintances. Rep. Kim Eun-hye stated that among the 52 newly appointed personnel during Byeon's tenure as president, at least 18 were connected to him through personal or academic ties. In response, Byeon explained, "I have never carried out unfair personnel appointments."

Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport nominee Byeon Chang-heum is attending the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 23rd and taking the witness oath. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Byeon's real estate policy stance also came under intense fire. This is because he declared his intention to maintain the government's real estate policy direction, which has resulted in a devastating rental and sales market crisis. Even before the confirmation hearing, Byeon expressed agreement with the current administration's real estate policy focus on 'strengthening regulations and tenant protection.' In particular, he plans to further increase tax burdens on multi-homeowners and owners of high-priced homes. Regarding the three lease laws, he said, "Since the implementation of the three lease laws, the contract renewal rate of existing tenants has increased, showing positive effects," and announced plans to further strengthen tenant protections.

Regarding private reconstruction, redevelopment, and property taxes, Byeon took a tougher stance than current regulations. He stated, "Massive capital gains and unearned income have occurred, leading to speculative demand entering the housing market and widening the asset gap between classes," adding, "Private reconstruction and redevelopment provide enormous benefits, so a certain level of regulation is inevitable from an urban management perspective." This is interpreted as his intention to continue regulations currently in place, such as the excess profit recovery system for reconstruction, strengthened safety inspections, price ceiling systems, and increased rental ratios.

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