'Jeonse Price Increase Controversy' Kim Sang-jo's Resignation... Lee Ho-seung Appointed as Successor, Blue House Chief Economic Secretary (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Sang-jo, the Blue House Chief Policy Officer who sparked controversy by raising the jeonse price by 14% before the implementation of the Lease 3 Act that limits rent increases to 5%, has been replaced. His successor is Lee Ho-seung, the Senior Secretary for Economic Affairs.

Yoo Young-min, Chief Secretary of the Blue House, announced at a briefing in the Chuncheon Hall on the 29th, "President Moon Jae-in appointed Senior Secretary Lee as the new Blue House Chief Policy Officer today."

Yoo said, "The new Chief Policy Officer Lee has a deep understanding of overall economic policies such as disaster relief funds and the Korean New Deal," adding, "He is highly trusted for his meticulous planning and thorough work, and possesses a balanced perspective on policies, making him the right person to successfully accomplish national tasks such as economic recovery in the latter half of the administration."

According to a key Blue House official, former Chief Policy Officer Kim personally expressed his resignation to President Moon on the morning of the same day. According to media reports citing the official gazette the previous day, Kim raised the jeonse price by 14% two days before the Lease 3 Act took effect. Although legally there was no problem, it was pointed out that this was an inappropriate act for the Blue House Chief Policy Officer, who is in charge of the real estate control tower.

Kim apologized, saying, "At this critical time when we must make every effort to eradicate real estate speculation, I have caused great disappointment to the public," and explained his reason for resignation, "Reorganizing the Blue House Policy Office and stepping down quickly to ensure the smooth implementation of real estate policies is the last role I must fulfill as a secretary serving the President."

He added, "Fortunately, the new Chief Officer Lee is a person with innate ability and excellent character, capable of achieving inclusive recovery and leap forward for the Republic of Korea," and concluded, "I apologize once again."

New Chief Officer Lee stated, "I will compensate for any lack of ability with a strong will to do my best in the given duties," and said, "I will focus on three major policy tasks facing the Republic of Korea." The three tasks he mentioned are ▲ overcoming the COVID-19 crisis and early return to normal life ▲ becoming a leading country amid changes in technology and international order ▲ alleviating inequality and strengthening social safety nets and investment in people.

Lee said, "Although there have been many problems in the past, we have achieved industrialization and democratization in succession, becoming a mid-ranking country in the top 10 and a nation with economic level and cultural power approaching the Group of Seven (G7)," adding, "I will support the people to fully demonstrate their abilities and potential and confidently move toward the future."

Regarding the retiring former Chief Officer Kim, he expressed "respect and gratitude to former Chief Officer Kim, who has prioritized national interests and the people while overseeing policy tasks."

Due to Kim’s resignation, Lee will attend the Anti-Corruption Policy Council meeting held in the afternoon of the same day.

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