Bok Kiwang Apologizes Again: "1.5 Billion Won Is Seoul's Average Apartment Price... 'Ordinary People Apartment' Remark Was Inappropriate"

Bok Kiwang, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, has apologized for his recent remarks referring to so-called "1.5 billion won apartments for ordinary people," admitting that the expression was inappropriate.

Bok Giwang, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea. Yonhap News Agency

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On October 24, during an appearance on SBS Radio's "Kim Taehyun's Political Show," Bok explained, "I don't think that was exactly what I meant," adding, "The phrase came to mind while I was continuing my remarks during a phone interview. I thought 'ordinary people' was a more general term than 'middle class.'"

The previous day, during a YTN Radio interview, Bok had responded to criticism regarding the loan restrictions in the October 15 real estate measures by saying, "Isn't there a perception that apartments worth around 1.5 billion won are where ordinary people live?" He added, "The October 15 real estate measures did not touch on policies related to 1.5 billion won apartments, nor did they address issues concerning young people and newlyweds."

However, his remarks drew criticism from the opposition, who argued that his perception of 'ordinary people' was out of touch with public sentiment. Kim Jaeseop, a member of the People Power Party, wrote on Facebook, "Does that make me an untouchable by Democratic Party standards since I can't afford a home?" He continued, "It's already frustrating enough not being able to buy a house, and now the Democratic Party is rubbing salt in the wound."

As the controversy grew, Bok issued a personal statement during a National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee audit, saying, "I hastily chose my words and caused concern among Seoul citizens and the public," and apologized for using an inappropriate expression.

He further explained, "I understand the average apartment price in Seoul is 1.46 billion won. I myself live in an apartment worth less than 1 billion won, and I believe about 70% of Seoul residents live in such homes." He added, "If my remarks hurt those people, I regret and feel sorry as a public figure for not choosing a more appropriate expression. I will strive to use more accurate terms in the future."

However, responding to the People Power Party's criticism that the recent real estate measures have "kicked away the housing ladder," Bok argued, "For those seeking to purchase homes worth 1.5 billion won or less, no existing support policies have been affected." He continued, "They claim that loans for young people and newlyweds have been tightened or eliminated, but I don't know why they are inciting people with such lies."

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