[Summary] Minister Byeon Chang-heum's Resignation from Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport... Ruling Party "Appropriate Measures" vs Opposition "Hope It's Not Scapegoating"

Byeon Chang-heum's Resignation Announcement... President Moon: "Complete Even the Basics of the Supply Measures"
Ruling Party: "We Will Do Our Best to Prevent Recurrence"
Opposition: "Replacing One Person Won't Solve the Issue"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Amid the controversy over land speculation by employees of Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) in new towns, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Byeon Chang-heum has tendered his resignation, sparking mixed reactions from ruling and opposition parties on the 12th. The ruling party evaluated Minister Byeon's resignation as an "appropriate measure," while the opposition warned, "We hope this is not a 'scapegoating'."

Choi In-ho, chief spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, issued a statement saying, "Minister Byeon's resignation is an appropriate measure following the public's demand for accountability," adding, "The Democratic Party will do its best to ensure concrete results in legislation and implementation plans for the smooth promotion of the February 4 real estate supply policy."

He continued, "We will also do our utmost to prepare measures to eradicate speculation, prevent recurrence, and recover illegal profits until the public acknowledges them."

On the other hand, the People Power Party defined Minister Byeon's resignation as 'sapilgwijung (事必歸正, justice must prevail)' and warned, "We hope this is not scapegoating."

Bae Jun-young, spokesperson for the People Power Party, said in an oral statement, "Minister Byeon should not have been appointed from the beginning," and added, "It is a case of belated regret that he is only now accepting the People Power Party's demand for his dismissal."

He continued, "Minister Byeon must have had no choice but to show accountability as per the President's words," and said, "We hope the President's message is not a 'scapegoating' that asks Minister Byeon alone to take responsibility for fear that the fire might spread to the administration."

Spokesperson Bae also pointed out, "Even if Minister Byeon steps down, a thorough investigation into his tenure as LH president must be conducted," adding, "It is necessary to reveal in detail what insiders did during that time."

He further criticized, "Meanwhile, the President says, 'It is very important to smoothly promote the February 4 measures.' But since it was called the 'Byeon Chang-heum plan,' hasn't the February 4 plan already lost its effectiveness?" and said, "The February 4 plan by LH, for LH, and of LH has completely lost the public's trust."

He emphasized, "Replacing one person is not the end of this matter," and added, "The President, as the highest authority responsible for state affairs, should apologize for this situation and also announce a position on a comprehensive reform of state affairs."

Minister Byeon Chang-heum of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is attending the 16th Real Estate Market Inspection Meeting of Related Ministers held at the Government Seoul Office on the 12th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, Jung Man-ho, Senior Secretary for Public Communication at the Blue House, said at a Chuncheon press briefing, "Minister Byeon informed President Moon of his resignation today."

President Moon was reported to have effectively accepted the resignation, saying, "(Minister Byeon) had no choice but to show accountability."

He was also reported to have said, "However, it is very important to smoothly promote the February 4 measures, and the groundwork for legislation related to the public-led housing supply plan promoted under Minister Byeon's leadership must be completed."

However, the Justice Party criticized President Moon's remarks, saying, "Minister Byeon has effectively been retained."

Cho Hye-min, spokesperson for the Justice Party, stated in a written comment, "What President Moon must protect is neither Minister Byeon nor the February 4 housing supply plan, but the lives of the people."

Spokesperson Cho added, "Public anger is growing due to the LH speculation scandal, but there is no sign of responsible action from the government," and expressed regret over Minister Byeon's effective retention.

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