Lee Jae-myung "Legislation for Basic Housing, Urging the National Assembly"… Email Appeal to All Ruling and Opposition Lawmakers

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, requested on the 17th that the National Assembly, regardless of party lines, come together to discuss legislation related to his key pledge, the 'Basic Housing.'

On this day, Lee said on his Facebook, "I have sent text messages and emails requesting all members of the National Assembly from both ruling and opposition parties to discuss legislation on Basic Housing."

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, attended a meeting on the climate crisis with youth climate activists at the Youth Culture Space Sinchon Paranggorae in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the 16th, and is seen talking with the participants. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

Lee revealed the message he sent to lawmakers, saying, "Regardless of party lines, I ask the National Assembly to unite in fulfilling the state's duty to guarantee the people's basic right to housing."

He cited Article 35 of the Constitution, which states, "All citizens have the right to live in a healthy and pleasant environment," and said, "It is the state's duty to ensure housing stability for the people." He added, "However, many citizens believe that the state, and furthermore politics, are not fulfilling that duty," and urged, "I ask the National Assembly to step forward together."

Lee said, "The ruling party, which cannot be free from responsibility for high housing prices, and the opposition party, which has criticized the ruling party, ultimately all advocate solving real estate issues," and requested, "Please join forces to prepare policy proposals and practical measures that will alleviate the people's suffering and restore hope to the youth."

He emphasized, "Please consider Basic Housing as that alternative."

Currently, four bills institutionalizing Basic Housing have been proposed in the National Assembly, including the Public Housing Special Act Amendment (proposed by Rep. Lee Gyu-min), the Special Act to Promote the Supply of Land-Leased Basic Housing (proposed by Rep. Park Sang-hyuk), and the Special Measures Act to Promote the Supply of Land-Separated Sale Housing (proposed by Rep. Noh Woong-rae).

Lee acknowledged, "I am well aware of the many debates surrounding Basic Housing," and said, "However, continuing only with debates over pros and cons is not what politics should do."

He added, "While Basic Housing is by no means a panacea, I believe that serious discussions around Basic Housing will be a valuable first step toward resolving the real estate republic," and stressed, "Please engage in intense discussions on the Basic Housing bills during this regular session of the National Assembly."

Meanwhile, the Basic Housing advocated by Lee is a concept of providing housing in good locations such as areas near subway stations, with affordable rent at construction cost levels, allowing residents to live for more than 30 years. The plan also includes increasing land-lease type housing, where the land is publicly owned and leased while buildings are constructed and sold.

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