Oh Se-hoon: "Come to the reconstruction site just once"... Moon: "I have instructed the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon requested President Moon Jae-in during a luncheon, "Please visit the reconstruction sites just once." This plea stems from concerns that the government is blocking reconstruction projects, fearing they might stimulate housing prices even for apartments in need of reconstruction. In response, President Moon said, "If necessary, I will instruct the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to visit the sites."

According to a senior Blue House official on the 21st, Mayor Oh said at the luncheon with President Moon, "The government is blocking reconstruction on the grounds that it might stimulate surrounding housing prices."

On the same day, President Moon invited Mayor Oh and Busan Mayor Park Hyung-joon to the Blue House for lunch, where they discussed various issues. At this meeting, Mayor Oh made remarks requesting the easing of reconstruction standards.

Mayor Oh expressed concern, saying, "(The government) has strengthened safety inspections, but this actually has the effect of completely blocking reconstruction." He added, "I visited the Yeouido pilot apartment complex, which was built 50 years ago. On the outside, it looks livable, but inside, it is in such a dilapidated state that living there is impossible."

He continued, "Having the rare opportunity to meet the President, I would like to say just one thing: it would be great if the President could visit a reconstruction site like the pilot apartment complex even once." He added, "Then perhaps the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's perspective would change."

In response, President Moon pointed out, "If residents can easily reconstruct, it might fuel apartment price increases and lead to the reconstruction of perfectly fine apartments for real estate profits." He questioned, "Wouldn't that be wasteful?"

He emphasized, "The government is pursuing housing price stabilization, speculation suppression, and supply expansion, and this is no different between the central government and Seoul." He added, "I will have the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport consult more with Seoul City and, if necessary, visit the sites."

President Moon also stressed that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is not blocking private redevelopment itself. He said, "From the Minister of Land's interview, it seems they are not intending to block private development itself." He added, "While promoting public redevelopment, private redevelopment is not prohibited as long as corrective measures are guaranteed."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the joint hosting of the Seoul-Pyongyang Olympics, there was discussion about deciding based on North Korea's participation in the Tokyo Olympics. Mayor Oh mentioned that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) selected Brisbane, Australia, as the preferred host for the 2023 Summer Olympics and asked, "Does that mean we have to give up?" President Moon replied, "It is still too early to give up."

President Moon said, "Although North Korea said it would not participate in the Tokyo Olympics, we should wait until the last moment." He added, "If North Korea participates in the Tokyo Olympics, momentum could be created, and there remains a possibility for joint hosting with Seoul-Pyongyang, so please understand it as a competitive state for now." Mayor Oh also responded, "We will first pursue hosting the Seoul Olympics, and if successful, we will later persuade for joint hosting with Pyongyang."

A senior Blue House official said, "The atmosphere at the luncheon was better than expected," adding, "Both mayors were courteous, and the President listened seriously while making eye contact and candidly shared his thoughts."