Minister Kim Yoonduk Accused Over Alleged Omission of Statistics in "October 15 Measures"

Kim Yoonduk, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, has been accused in connection with allegations that the ministry intentionally excluded real estate statistics from September this year when announcing the October 15 Measures.

Kim Yoonduk, nominee for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, is taking the oath at the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee on July 29, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Lee Jongbae, a Seoul Metropolitan Council member from the People Power Party, filed a complaint against Minister Kim on November 9, citing charges such as falsification and use of official documents and abuse of authority. Councilman Lee submitted the complaint to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. He argued, "If the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport had reflected the September statistics, five districts-Dobong, Eunpyeong, Jungnang, Gangbuk, and Geumcheon-would have been excluded from the regulated areas."

On November 5, Chun Haram, Floor Leader of the Reform Party, criticized the government at a press conference, claiming that it selectively used real estate-related statistics only up to August this year. He stated, "On the day the October 15 Measures were announced, the release of the September National Housing Price Trend Survey was also scheduled," and argued, "The government had already decided to designate all of Seoul and other areas as regulated zones, and excluded the unfavorable September statistics that did not fit this predetermined conclusion."

In response, on November 7, Minister Kim countered during the comprehensive policy inquiry of the National Assembly Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, stating that the October 15 Measures were "an issue that had been prepared since before Chuseok."