Sim Sang-jung "Embarrassed by President's Brief Apology... Public Officials' Corruption is Moon Administration's Deep-rooted Evil"

Sim Sang-jung, Chairperson of the Special Committee for the Dismantling of the Real Estate Speculation Republic of the Justice Party, is speaking at a press conference held by the Justice Party local council members urging a full investigation into real estate speculation at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 16th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-eun] Sim Sang-jung, a member of the Justice Party, criticized President Moon Jae-in's remarks regarding the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) speculation scandal, saying, "I am sure I am not the only one who was bewildered by the president's brief reflection on real estate policy," and added, "While real estate corruption has accumulated since previous administrations, the corruption among public officials this time is a legacy of the Moon Jae-in administration," on the 16th.

Sim, chairperson of the party's Special Committee for the Dismantling of the Real Estate Speculation Republic, stated at the party's parliamentary meeting held at the National Assembly that day, "Yesterday, President Moon Jae-in said he would realize the spirit of the Candlelight Revolution by clearing out real estate corruption," and criticized, "Such disastrous real estate speculation has continued and even expanded under a government that claims to be a candlelight government, which is why the public is expressing feelings of betrayal."

He continued, "In this situation, it will be difficult to calm the public's anger with just a statement expressing regret that 'we could not dare to clear out real estate corruption,'" and emphasized, "A clear apology from the president is needed for the failure of real estate policy and the rampant speculation by public officials."

He added, "The Moon Jae-in administration followed the old policy line of past governments, such as large-scale supply policies centered on new towns and land and housing speculation on public land," and said, "I believe this is the core reason why the Moon Jae-in administration failed in the war against speculation."

On the 14th, Shim Sang-jung, the special committee chairperson (center), is speaking at the first meeting of the Justice Party's Special Committee for the Dismantling of the Real Estate Speculation Republic held at the National Assembly. Photo by Yonhap News

Sim also conveyed that what is important in real estate policy is not 'public-led' but the supply of high-quality 'public housing.' Sim said, "While maintaining the public-led policy line, at least in public land, the principle of housing supply policy should shift to supplying 100% public housing for low-income citizens without homes," and advised, "A 'Ministry of Urban Housing' should be established as a control tower to oversee housing welfare, and the LH Corporation, which has caused public outrage, should have its functions decentralized and be limited to the role of a developer."

He continued, "What the public wants from the president is a sincere apology for the failure of real estate policy and corruption among public officials, thorough investigations to root out the problem, and a declaration of the will to realize the promised housing welfare," emphasizing, "That is truly in line with the spirit of the Candlelight Revolution."

Meanwhile, President Moon said at the Cabinet meeting that day, "I am sorry for causing great concern to the people," and added, "I have caused great disappointment and frustration to the hardworking citizens. I am fully aware of the corrupt structure in our society and intend to take a more humble stance and act with a heavy sense of responsibility."

President Moon also said at the Blue House senior secretaries meeting on the 15th, "Our government has achieved clearing out corruption in various fields, but we could not dare to clear out 'real estate corruption,'" and added, "I hope you recognize that this is an implementation of the candlelight spirit that gave birth to our government and the most important issue for people's livelihood."

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