"So Regrettable" Expressing Disappointment
Urging to Take the Lead in Restoring Public Trust
Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Byeon Chang-heum is delivering a farewell speech at a private farewell ceremony held at the Government Sejong Complex on the 16th.
[Asia Economy Reporter Kangwook Cho] Byeon Chang-heum, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, who stepped down after 109 days in office, expressed deep regret on the 16th, saying "It is very unfortunate" in his farewell speech. He also urged to ensure the smooth implementation of follow-up legislation for the 2·4 measures and to take the lead in restoring public trust.
At a private farewell ceremony held at the Government Sejong Complex that day, Minister Byeon said, "I wanted to see new policies being considered and realized across the entire land and transportation sector, but it is very unfortunate."
Regarding the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) land speculation scandal, he said, "It is a serious issue that fundamentally shakes the significance of the existence of the public sector," and lamented, "As the head of the relevant ministry, I feel infinite responsibility for disappointing the public and am stepping down."
He emphasized, "Public officials who are entrusted with the mission of the people and responsible for execution must be more fair and exemplary than anyone else, and especially must not use information or knowledge obtained through public office for private gain, which I reaffirm once again."
In particular, he pointed out, "The government's role may grow or shrink depending on the time, and the focus of policies may shift slightly, but trust in the public sector and public officials must never be broken under any circumstances."
Regarding the 2·4 supply measures, he requested, "Please ensure that the follow-up legislation is promptly processed and that the market stabilization trend continues."
Minister Byeon evaluated the 2·4 measures as "the fruit of efforts where the public and private sectors, central and local governments joined forces to truly respond to the challenges of the era," adding, "Since the announcement of the measures, proposals for projects have continued with the support of local governments, private companies, and residents, and recently the housing market has gradually stabilized due to expanded supply expectations and calming buyer sentiment."
He also said, "It is very important from now on to firmly establish housing market stability." He continued, "Please actively institutionalize and realize various forms of occupancy such as public owner-occupied housing in addition to jeonse, monthly rent, or ownership, so that housing stability and housing choice rights can be guaranteed."
Finally, Minister Byeon concluded his farewell speech, saying, "I believe that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will be able to take this as an opportunity to complete the challenges of the era and innovate anew," and "The experience of the past four months will be a lifelong pride and honor for me."
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