[Exclusive] Lee Inyoung: “After the Election, Constitutional Debate Needed on Public Land Ownership and Equal Pay... Power Structures in Religion and Media Will Be Reshaped”

Lee Inyoung, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking about the significance of the upcoming general election and his thoughts on constitutional amendment discussions during an interview with Asia Economy on the 4th at the National Assembly floor leader's office. Photo by Yoon Dongjoo doso7@

[Asia Economy reporters Park Cheoleung, Kang Nahum, Won Dara] Lee Inyoung, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, argued that after the general election, constitutional amendment discussions should address topics such as the public concept of land ownership, equal pay for equal work to eliminate discrimination against non-regular workers, and the principle of “land to the tiller” (Gyeongjayujeon). He stated that real estate policy should continue to focus on curbing soaring housing prices, but that selective application tailored to actual demand is needed rather than blanket regulations. In effect, he called for selective regulatory easing.

He also believes that this general election will serve as an opportunity to reshape existing power structures in fields such as the market, religion, and the media. He warned that if prosecutors conduct investigations with political motives, they are “chasing a pipe dream.”

In an interview with Asia Economy on the 4th, Lee said, “It is desirable to discuss constitutional amendments within the political landscape shaped by the outcome of the general election. There is debate over whether the public concept of land ownership is part of the constitutional spirit, but I believe it is. I hope this can be clarified through constitutional discussions.”

He maintains that constitutional amendment discussions should cover not only the power structure, but also broad topics such as fundamental rights, socioeconomic order, local autonomy, the right to life, and the right to information. Among these, he believes the public concept of land ownership should be applied as a solution to real estate issues.

Lee stated, “We need to approach real estate not as a means of accumulating wealth, but from the perspective of housing and welfare. We must move from temporary, symptomatic solutions to structural measures. A comprehensive approach covering supply, taxation, and regulations is needed.” He added that the public concept of land ownership, which restricts private land ownership and assigns public value, could serve as a foundation for structural solutions.

This is the second time the Democratic Party leadership has advocated for the public concept of land ownership. In September 2018, Democratic Party leader Lee Haechan said, in relation to skyrocketing real estate prices in the Seoul metropolitan area, “Housing prices are soaring because land supply is insufficient,” and “Land supply has been restricted because the public concept of land ownership has not been substantiated.” If, as Lee Inyoung suggests, the ruling party pushes for the introduction of the public concept of land ownership as part of constitutional amendment discussions after the general election, it is expected that controversy will intensify both within and outside the political sphere, including resistance from the opposition.

Lee also believes that customized policies are needed for non-homeowners and single-home owners. He said, “It is difficult to take a one-size-fits-all approach to real estate issues. We need to consider differences between Seoul and other regions, and among different demand groups. For actual demanders, the restrictions could be excessive, so it may be necessary to raise the LTV (loan-to-value ratio), or to lower property taxes for those temporarily owning two homes. Various options should be left open for review.”

This is seen as a notable indication that the party may accept requests from Democratic Party lawmakers representing areas like Gangnam and Bundang to ease LTV and comprehensive real estate taxes.

He also emphasized labor rights. Lee said, “From a socioeconomic perspective, there is the issue of equal pay for equal work. We need to examine whether the social, civil, and economic rights of labor are properly guaranteed. The Constitution only refers to ‘workers’ and does not even mention ‘laborers’.” He continued, “Since the era when there were 10 million farmers has passed, it is also necessary to discuss the principle of Gyeongjayujeon, which stipulates that only farmers can own farmland.”

Lee Inyoung, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Yoon Dongju doso7@

Regarding the significance of this general election, Lee spoke of a new balance of hegemony. He said, “It is true that there are forms of hegemony in areas such as religion, the market, and the media that cannot be explained by law alone. The Candlelight Revolution was not just about a change of government, but also called for reforms of the media, the prosecution, and conglomerates, and this will be reflected in the upcoming general election. There is a certain media-centric hegemony, and the same goes for religion. Pastor Jeon Kwanghoon is not the representative pastor of our country, is he?”

He issued a strong warning to the prosecution. Some have raised suspicions and criticized the prosecution for conducting investigations with political motives. Lee said, “Whether the prosecution is political or not will be judged by the people,” but added, “As much as the independence of the prosecution is guaranteed, the prosecution must strictly adhere to investigations based on law and principle. Now that the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials Act and the adjustment of investigative powers between the prosecution and the police have been completed, if the prosecution were to make any political moves, it would be a pipe dream and would only erode their own standing.”

Regarding the possibility of former Blue House Chief of Staff Im Jongseok running in the general election, Lee commented, “Since he has said he will not run, the possibility seems low.”

One of the biggest concerns for the Democratic Party in this general election is the Liberty Korea Party’s proportional satellite party. The Democratic Party is considering countermeasures. Lee said, “The mixed-member proportional representation system is a step toward a better electoral system, but satellite parties are truly contradictory. The Democratic Party cannot consider creating a satellite party. Ultimately, the people will decide, and in the end, we will have to seek wisdom from the people and come up with our own answer.”