Kim Bu-gyeom: "Politicians with Multiple Homes Must Be Held Accountable if Not Disposed Within 3 Months"

Former Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Bu-gyeom is holding a press conference to declare his candidacy for party leader at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 9th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Former lawmaker Kim Boo-kyum, a candidate for the Democratic Party leadership, emphasized on the 9th that regarding the multiple home ownership by high-ranking officials and political figures, "They should be given a three-month grace period, and if they still cannot organize (sell) their properties after that, they must be held accountable."

On the same day, immediately after declaring his candidacy for party leader, Kim made this statement in response to a question from reporters about his stance on multiple homeowners selling their houses.

He said, "Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun also instructed high-ranking officials who own multiple homes to organize their housing, and Chief Secretary Noh Young-min, who had been controversial, decided to organize his house in Seoul," adding, "I hope that political figures and high-ranking officials will take concrete measures to thoroughly resolve real estate-related suspicions within at least three months."

However, Kim noted, "In foreign countries, apartments are considered as a concept of residence, but in our country, the concept of ownership is strong, so there is an argument not to fundamentally deny this, and I believe it is worth listening to."

Kim also said, "Among several real estate-related systems, one that is hard to accept is giving too many benefits to registered rental business operators," and added, "It is time to fundamentally review these issues."

Regarding the nationwide employment insurance system, he said, "We need to prepare a robust social safety net now, including the introduction of a nationwide employment insurance system," and "We should enter discussions on the basic income system and reach a level of agreement in the mid to long term."

Addressing criticism that lawmakers' expression of opinions is being restricted, as in the disciplinary case of former lawmaker Geum Tae-seop, he said, "It is true that there was a self-restraint atmosphere within the party because Leader Lee Hae-chan is a solemn person, but the atmosphere will loosen compared to now," and added, "Each lawmaker has the right to speak as a constitutional institution."

Regarding criticism that the Korea-US Working Group is hindering inter-Korean relations, he said, "There is criticism that the Korea-US Working Group acts like a strict mother-in-law," and added, "It needs to change now."

On the dissatisfaction among the youth over fairness issues, he said, "I am well aware of their anger, and we will create measures to respond to the frustrations of those in their 20s and 30s."