Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Forms Dedicated Task Force to Combat Jeonse Fraud

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Wanyong] The government has decided to form a dedicated task force (TF) to fully respond to the recent surge in jeonse fraud.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 25th that starting from the 30th, it will establish and operate a dedicated task force (TF) to prevent damages caused by jeonse fraud and to provide swift and systematic support to victims.

Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong speaking at the briefing session for tenants affected by jeonse deposit damages held at the Federation of Korean Industries building in Yeouido, Seoul on the 22nd./Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

The TF will include the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Housing and Urban Guarantee Corporation (HUG), and plans to reinforce personnel from local governments and judicial institutions as needed. A private advisory group consisting of legal experts and academics will also be operated.

The TF will first expand counseling personnel for tenants who have suffered from jeonse fraud and produce counseling and guidance manuals.

In particular, it plans to establish and operate a dedicated organization for victims of the so-called "Villa King" case, in which the owner, who held 1,139 houses, died without returning the deposits.

Additionally, the TF will monitor suspicious jeonse listings online that lure tenants with bait such as loan interest support.

Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Heeryong stated, “Jeonse deposits often represent the entire savings of ordinary people. The TF is at the forefront of securing the golden time to protect victims of jeonse fraud,” and urged full efforts to support victims and prevent damages.

Meanwhile, with the passage of a revised bill to prevent and remedy jeonse fraud on the 23rd, starting next year, tenants will be able to check the landlord’s national tax arrears without the landlord’s consent.

Also, if a rented house is auctioned or sold publicly without the deposit being returned, tenants will be given priority in repayment. Currently, when a house is auctioned or sold publicly, national tax arrears and other debts are paid first, and tenants receive repayment from the remaining amount. However, from next year, tenants will be repaid before the arrears are settled.

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