Oh Sin-hwan "Real estate measure 1 million housing units supply? ... I will not play unrealistic number games"

The Role of Seoul Mayor is to Promote Private Housing Construction
30,000 Half-and-Half Apartments are a Housing Ladder
Seoul City Must Present a New Vision for the Low Birthrate Issue

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] "'650,000 houses, 700,000 houses, 1,000,000 houses to be built'?no voter trusts such numbers. I will not engage in unrealistic political number games."

Oh Shin-hwan, People Power Party Seoul mayoral primary candidate. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Oh Shin-hwan, the People Power Party candidate for Seoul mayor, pointed out the problems with the real estate measures that candidates from both ruling and opposition parties are rushing to announce. In an interview at his Yeouido campaign office on the 17th, he said, "No matter which candidate becomes mayor, to expand supply, the regulations that have suppressed it must be lifted. Introducing a fast-track approval process to prevent interference is what the mayor should do." Ultimately, it is the private sector that builds houses, and the mayor should focus on supporting the private sector.

Oh proposed a different approach by pledging 30,000 repurchase-condition 'Banban' apartments. He said, "Apartment prices have exceeded 1 billion won, so no matter how much supply there is, how can low-income households, young people without homes, or those struggling with jeonse (long-term lease) live?" He added, "What the mayor should do is to provide a housing ladder." Oh's Banban apartments concept lowers the supply price to less than half through public sale, while guaranteeing half of the profit upon resale. He pointed out, "We need to consider both market principles and human desires. The failure of repurchase-condition or land leasehold housing is due to not understanding these factors."

Having especially emphasized the low birthrate issue, he also stressed that Seoul City should present a new vision in this area. Oh diagnosed, "The fear of career interruption is leading to fear of childbirth," and said, "Expanding childcare facilities equivalent to national and public institutions can prevent career breaks." Along with expanding public daycare centers, he proposed raising the standards of private daycare centers through the 'Seoul-type Public Certification Daycare Centers.' Additionally, he stated, "We will create 'hub childcare facilities' for employees working overtime so they can take care of their children after work."

As the primary election approaches its final stages, he expressed regret that the election is turning into a popularity contest. Oh said, "At first, I thought it would be possible to introduce many newcomers like a Mr. Trot survival show, but the primary is gradually proceeding like a 'king of kings' competition." He added, "Although the focus is shifting to well-known candidates through debates, I will appeal as much as possible with the sincerity of policies, vision, and content."

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