Lee Jae-myung vs Jeong Sye-gyun, Daily Tensions Over Real Estate Issues Following Vaccine Disputes

Lee Jae-myung "Real Estate Failures, Bureaucrats Bear Greater Responsibility" vs Jeong Sye-gyun "Watch Your Words"

Former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Presidential candidates from the ruling party are exchanging blame over the government's failures in real estate policy. Former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun expressed displeasure when Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung recently pointed to "bureaucrats" as responsible for the real estate issues, stating, "There must have been many things local governments could have done as well."

After delivering the keynote speech at the Gwanghwamun Forum held at the Glad Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 11th, former Prime Minister Chung said, "There is responsibility. Responsibility cannot be avoided. Naturally, there is responsibility." However, he also sharpened his words toward Governor Lee, saying, "And probably, there were many things local governments could have done. So, one must be careful with their words."

Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province. / Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, Jeong Seong-ho, a member of the Democratic Party classified as part of the Lee Jae-myung faction, criticized on Facebook on the 9th regarding real estate policy, saying, "Apartment prices are soaring endlessly, and the dreams of young people owning their own homes are disappearing," and added, "This is due to accumulated arrogant and incompetent policies."

Governor Lee also referred to President Moon Jae-in's 4th anniversary inaugural speech on the same day, pointing out, "All the answers are contained in the President's emphasis on 'making it impossible to make money from real estate' and 'considering lifelong housing supply plans,' but it is questionable whether the relevant bureaucrats have carried out this mission promptly and sincerely."

Since former Prime Minister Chung, a presidential contender, and former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon, who served as the first prime minister of the current administration, oversaw overall state affairs, it is interpreted that they cannot escape responsibility.

Governor Lee further raised his critical voice, saying, "It is not a recent matter that the ruling party's reform agendas have repeatedly been frustrated by bureaucratic resistance and sabotage."

Previously, former Prime Minister Chung and Governor Lee also had a heated exchange over the issue of COVID-19 vaccine procurement. When Governor Lee advocated for independent COVID-19 vaccine procurement, former Prime Minister Chung retorted, "He is someone who rarely attends Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) meetings."

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