[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The opposition parties are launching fierce attacks against Presidential Chief of Staff Noh Young-min, who has been embroiled in controversy for not selling his Banpo apartment despite urging the disposal of properties other than one's primary residence.
On the 3rd, Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the United Future Party, criticized at the National Assembly, saying, "This is a representative case of addressing the fundamental problems of policy with superficial stopgap measures without solving the root issues."
In an interview on Yonhap News TV later that afternoon, he said, "The right to dispose of property is guaranteed by the Constitution, but is it a proper country where public officials are told to sell if they own more than one house?" He added, "The policy goals, direction, and timing were wrong from the start, and they are using housing policies like drinking seawater when thirsty."
Ahn Hye-jin, spokesperson for the People's Party, stated, "The Chief of Staff of the Blue House, who urged the Blue House aides to dispose of houses other than their primary residence by saying high-ranking officials should lead by example, betrayed the constituents of Cheongju who elected him for three terms by disposing of his Cheongju apartment while leaving his expensive apartment in Gangnam." She added, "The announcement to sell the Gangnam apartment was reversed to Cheongju within 40 minutes, showing the conflict between conviction and property, making the choice of the Gangnam apartment even more symbolic."
She emphasized, "Thanks to Chief of Staff Noh's actions in protecting his Gangnam apartment even while leading by example, the public, who were uncertain about the stabilization of real estate prices, received a clear signal."
Jung Woo-sik, spokesperson for the Minsheng Party, also pointed out, "'One smart house' is the dream of all citizens," adding, "If Chief of Staff Noh had followed all legal procedures, whether it was a reconstruction apartment or a multi-homeowner, there would be no reason for criticism. However, the problem is that, as seen in Chief of Staff Noh's case, the desire for 'one smart house' remains firmly alive in the housing market."
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