"Fish Shop Cats Banned" Gijang-gun Launches Speculation Investigation... Even if Hiding in 'Sodo (蘇塗)', Public Officials Involved in Real Estate Speculation Must Be Caught

Oh Gyu-seok, Mayor of Busan Gijang County.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] “During the Samhan period, if you entered a Sodo (蘇塗), even criminals could not be caught. However, real estate speculation by public officials is a serious crime, so even a Sodo like the statute of limitations should be abolished. Start by auditing me.”

On the morning of the 17th, Busan Gijang-gun Mayor Oh Gyu-seok issued a stern order while presiding over an internal daily work report meeting. The intention was to conduct an internal audit on real estate speculation regardless of former or current status, appointed or elected positions, without distinction of rank or status.

After the meeting, Busan Gijang-gun immediately formed a basic local government’s own ‘Public Official Real Estate Speculation Investigation TF Team’ and began the audit.

With the deputy county head as the team leader, the team will audit real estate speculation by current and former Gijang-gun public officials over the past five years and open and operate a reporting channel for real estate speculation involving appointed and elected current and former public officials.

Mayor Oh Gyu-seok said on the day, “Quickly form the Public Official Real Estate Speculation Investigation TF Team and conduct a strict audit according to laws and principles.”

He also instructed the operation of a reporting channel for real estate speculation by current and former public officials and current and former elected public officials.

Mayor Oh emphasized, “Start by thoroughly auditing myself. We must use this opportunity to permanently expel the shameless ‘fish market cat’ from the public service community.”

Mayor Oh said, “This should also target nationwide local governments including Busan City and current and former elected public officials including members of the National Assembly.”

He stated, “During the Samhan period, a Sodo (蘇塗) was a sacred place where rituals were performed for the heavenly god, and even criminals could not be caught there. Real estate speculation is a serious crime that cuts off the dreams and hopes of growing children. We must not allow a Sodo (蘇塗) like the statute of limitations here, nor should there be exceptions for public officials who retired long ago.”

Accordingly, Gijang-gun immediately established the audit team and began accepting reports. The TF team plans to conduct a rigorous real estate speculation audit promptly and take strict disciplinary action against public officials involved in speculation as a deterrent.

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