[Comprehensive] "Just Pay Taxes Diligently" Kim Jin-ae's Remark Under Fire... "I Was Talking About the United Party" Distancing Statement

Kim Jin-ae "Just Pay Taxes Well? What I Said to United Future Party Members"

Kim Jin-ae, Floor Leader of the Open Democratic Party, is debating at the National Assembly plenary session on the afternoon of the 4th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Kim Jin-ae, floor leader of the Open Democratic Party, clarified her controversial remark, "It is not a problem even if real estate prices rise. Just make sure to pay your taxes diligently," which sparked a backlash as if she was criticizing citizens opposing the government's real estate policy. She stated, "That was directed at the members of the United Future Party," explaining her comment.

On the 5th, Kim said on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' "When discussing issues related to real estate bills, they said, 'Why didn't you build earlier?' In response, I explained that if you collect more comprehensive real estate tax, more construction can be done, which led to that remark."

Kim further explained, "Tenants won't be evicted, and as long as rent doesn't increase, life is manageable. Also, aren't there many United Future Party members living in high-priced apartments these days? And real estate prices have risen a lot. Even if they rise like that, we don't see it as a problem; however, you should agree to diligently collect taxes," describing the context of her statement.

She added, "Currently, only 1% of people pay the comprehensive real estate tax," and emphasized, "Many members of the United Future Party belong to that 1%. If we raise it a bit this time, that percentage will likely increase. In other words, fostering a sense of solidarity is best done legally through taxes."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The day before (the 4th), Floor Leader Kim gave a speech in favor of the amendment to the comprehensive real estate tax bill at the National Assembly plenary session. She opened by saying, "Today, the three lease laws are finally completed. This is the day the National Assembly truly earns its keep." She criticized the opposition, saying, "How great it would have been if it had been legislated early in the Moon Jae-in administration. The 20th National Assembly persistently blocked real estate reform."

She continued, "It is not a problem even if you live in high-priced apartments and real estate prices rise. Just make sure to pay your taxes diligently," and added, "If there is unearned income, please allow us to reclaim the development gains accordingly," which sparked controversy.

When jeers came from the United Future Party immediately after her remarks, she responded, "You (members of the United Future Party), yes. If you had collected the comprehensive real estate tax diligently, construction could have happened earlier."

Following the controversy, Floor Leader Kim clarified through a press release that day, "That remark was directed at the United Future Party members who were jeering at the time."