Noh Young-min, Chief Secretary of the Blue House, "Seoul Apartment to Be Disposed Within This Month" (Comprehensive)

"Sorry for appearing as if trying to protect Seoul apartment"... "Will dispose once family residence issue is resolved"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] Noh Young-min, Chief of Staff at the Blue House, has decided to dispose of the apartment in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, which had been the focus of controversy.

On the 8th, Noh posted on Facebook, "As soon as the family's housing issue is resolved, I have decided to dispose of the apartment located in Seoul within this month." He added, "Last Thursday, I announced that I would sell one of the two apartments I owned, the one located in Cheongju City, and it was sold last Sunday."

No Young-min, Chief Presidential Secretary, is attending the full meeting of the Steering Committee held at the National Assembly on the 29th, responding to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Noh explained, "This was a personal practice following the recommendation for high-ranking public officials at the level of secretary or above working at BH (Blue House) to own only one house. The apartment in Seoul is occupied by my family, while the Cheongju apartment had been vacant for years during my tenure as ambassador and chief of staff, which was taken into consideration."

However, controversy intensified when it became known that the apartment sold was the one in Cheongju, Chungbuk, not in Seoul. Regarding this, Noh said, "However, contrary to my intention, disposing of the Cheongju apartment while leaving the Seoul apartment gave the impression that I was trying to keep the Seoul apartment, which did not meet the public’s expectations. I am sorry."

Noh pledged, "Taking this incident as an opportunity, I will reflect on myself once again and strive to be more strict with myself going forward."