Jung Joon-ho: "Long-term Construction Suspension Buildings Threaten Public Safety"

Over 180 Sites Nationwide Left Abandoned for Over 15 Years
"'Ignoring' Response... Fundamental Measures Urgently Needed"

Assemblyman Jeong Junho

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has been criticized for neglecting the management of long-term halted construction buildings, putting the safety of the public at risk.

According to data submitted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Korea Real Estate Board for the National Assembly audit, received by Jeong Jun-ho, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Gwangju Buk-gu Gap, 59% of 286 buildings nationwide have been left unattended for over 15 years.

66% of the halted construction buildings had a construction progress rate of 50% or less, and the main reasons for the stoppage were identified as lack of funds, bankruptcy, and legal disputes, making it practically difficult to resume construction.

When classified by type, many of the halted buildings are closely related to residents' daily lives, including apartment complexes (88 sites, 31%), lodging facilities (58 sites, 20%), and retail facilities (38 sites, 13%), highlighting the urgent need for more active management and response.

The current "Idle Building Maintenance Act" stipulates that local governments may provide subsidies or loans for construction or demolition costs along with demolition orders for halted construction buildings. However, it has been confirmed that no local government has provided subsidies or loans for either demolition or construction costs, nor have there been any demolition cases.

Since 2015, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has been promoting projects to resolve the issue of halted construction buildings, but among the 40 selected sites, 20 remain in the review stage, with only 9 completed and 11 in progress, raising questions about the effectiveness of the projects.

Rep. Jeong stated, "As the construction market worsens, the number of halted construction buildings is expected to increase further, and the threat to public safety will grow accordingly. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and local governments must establish fundamental measures, such as strengthening architects' accountability at construction sites and expanding local government authority."

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