[Interview] Kang Byung-won: "Yongsan US Military Base to Be Used as Public Housing Supply Site... Will Promote Public Discussion"

Democratic Party Supreme Council Candidate Relay Interview ④ Kang Byung-won
Expulsion if Real Estate Speculation Revealed
Strict Measures with Zero Tolerance
Full Effort to Build Housing Ladder for Youth

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] "If problems are identified in the comprehensive real estate investigation, not only should the person on duty resign and party membership be suspended, but expulsion from the party should also be enforced. Illegitimate gains must be returned. The position of 'Member of the National Assembly' should not serve as a shield against prosecution or judicial action for illegal activities."

Kang Byung-won, a candidate for the Democratic Party's Supreme Council member, stated in an interview with Asia Economy on the 30th that a zero-tolerance principle is necessary regarding the 'comprehensive investigation of Democratic Party members of the National Assembly' currently being conducted by the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission. Having consistently emphasized that the Democratic Party must break away from 'internal party favoritism' and 'protecting one's own,' he said, "If we are to tell the public that the era of real estate speculation is over, public officials who make and enforce laws, especially those in the ruling party, should be held to a stricter standard."

Kang said that if elected as a Supreme Council member, he plans to devote his efforts to providing a 'housing ladder' for the younger generation. He also proposed the idea of utilizing the Yongsan U.S. military base, which is scheduled to be converted into a park, as a housing supply base. "Yongsan has 10 subway stations nearby, and all the land is state-owned. It allows for more efficient and eco-friendly development than outskirts or green belts. I will take a leading role in bringing this issue into public discussion."

Regarding recent policy shifts such as the easing of comprehensive real estate tax, he said, "Consistency is the most important thing," but added, "However, if it aligns with the overarching principle of housing stability for non-homeowning low-income citizens, fine-tuning according to circumstances will be necessary."

On the issue of a volunteer military system proposed as a solution to the alienation of the 2030 generation, Kang expressed support. He said, "I was born in 1971, and at that time, 530,000 boys were born. But in 2020, it was only 140,000." He diagnosed that maintaining military manpower under the current conscription system is impossible. He added, "It is an agenda that requires careful discussion within defense reform for a strong national defense while responding to the changing population structure."

As a 're-elected' lawmaker classified as '97 (born in the 1970s, college class of the 1990s),' Kang also highlighted his strengths. He said, "I believe there is a definite advantage as a 40-something re-elected lawmaker in communicating and empathizing with the 2030 generation," and added, "I will play a role as a lawmaker who combines youth and experience for reforms benefiting future generations." Regarding the victory in the 20th presidential election, he diagnosed that the Democratic Party must instill confidence in the public that "my life can improve" if the party returns to power. "Nothing is more important than the lives of the people. We will mobilize all our capabilities to prevent and overcome COVID-19, secure vaccines, and strengthen compensation for those economically affected, demonstrating competence in overcoming the pandemic."

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