Moon Holds 'Meeting with the People' After 2 Years... Emphasizes "Solving Real Estate Supply Issues" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in expressed his apologies once again regarding the real estate issue during the 'Dialogue with the People' held after two years and emphasized the need to resolve the real estate supply problem. Regarding the disaster relief fund issue, which recently sparked conflict between the ruling party and the government, he stated, "I trust the Cabinet's judgment." Highlighting achievements in K-quarantine, the economy, and diplomacy, he also urged the public to "take pride."

◆ "If we had made more efforts to increase supply..." = On the 21st, during the live broadcast of 'Dialogue with the People, Back to Daily Life' on KBS, President Moon was asked about the real estate issue and said, "I have apologized several times for the real estate problem, but looking back now, I think it would have been better if we had put more effort into increasing the supply of real estate and housing."

Two years ago, in the 2019 'Dialogue with the People,' President Moon expressed confidence by saying, "I guarantee that our government is confident about the real estate issue," but despite successive real estate policies, the upward trend in real estate prices continued, leading him to issue his first apology on the matter in this year's New Year's address.

President Moon explained, "I think it would have helped if the previous 2.4 measures had been prepared a little earlier. However, during our government's term, there were more move-in volumes and permits than any previous government. There are also many planned volumes going forward."

He added, "I believe the supply problem will be sufficiently resolved in the future. Thanks to that, real estate prices are now entering a fairly stable phase, and the government aims for a stable downward trend during the remaining period."

President Moon said, "I will find clues to solve the real estate problem until the end of my term so that difficulties do not carry over to the next government. The real estate issue not only directly harms ordinary people but also causes a great sense of relative deprivation."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

◆ Disaster Relief Fund, Trust in Cabinet's Judgment = Regarding a question pointing out that "It is fortunate that the nationwide disaster relief fund support was withdrawn," President Moon said, "Regarding whether to provide disaster relief funds, who to provide them to if given, whether to provide to all citizens or prioritize those in greater need, I trust our Cabinet's judgment," and explained, "The government's position is generally moving in the direction you mentioned."

On additional tasks for phased daily recovery, he responded, "It is important to expand the vaccination target to include more adolescents and young people and to accelerate the third dose." Regarding student vaccinations, he explained, "Currently, the vaccination age has been lowered to 12 years and older, and over 70% of 16-17-year-olds have been vaccinated. Efforts will be made to quickly vaccinate even younger age groups through methods such as visiting vaccinations."

Furthermore, he mentioned that in the United States, vaccinations have begun for children aged 5-12, corresponding to elementary and kindergarten levels, and emphasized, "We will closely monitor the progress, and if it is judged to be safe and effective, South Korea will also lower the vaccination age."

When asked about oral COVID-19 treatments, President Moon said, "Before our domestic treatment was available, two oral treatments were developed overseas. We have signed advance purchase agreements," adding, "400,000 doses are planned to arrive by February next year at the latest. We are working to bring this forward."

He continued, "South Korea is the third country in the world to develop a treatment," and added, "Eleven companies are developing oral treatments, with two already in phase 3 trials. The progress is good, so we have high expectations."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

◆ Emphasizing K-Quarantine Achievements... Urging the Public to "Take Pride" = When asked about the greatest achievements and regrets during his term, President Moon said, "If I were to mention achievements, it would be the rise in South Korea's status, including K-quarantine," emphasizing, "We are in the top 10 not only in the economy but also in democracy, culture, quarantine, healthcare, defense, diplomacy, and international cooperation."

President Moon said, "The regret is definitely the real estate issue. It caused a lot of deprivation among ordinary people, and by failing to stabilize real estate prices, we could not provide sufficient opportunities for homeownership to the homeless, ordinary citizens, youth, and newlyweds."

In his closing remarks, President Moon again highlighted achievements such as K-quarantine and "advancement to a developed country." He said, "Now South Korea has reasons to be proud," adding, "I know that when I say this, some criticize it as self-praise or say it's hard to live, but this is not a subjective evaluation but an objective one made by the world."

He continued, "The pride we have will be the driving force for our future development," and added, "This achievement is not just the accomplishment of our government but the accumulation of achievements from all governments and the result of long-term efforts by our people."

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