[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in expressed regret over the widening asset gap caused by rising real estate prices during his tenure. However, he evaluated that income inequality has been significantly alleviated.
On the evening of the 25th, in a conversation with former anchor Sohn Suk-hee broadcasted on JTBC, President Moon said, "Real estate prices have risen, and globally, asset gaps have widened due to COVID-19 and other factors. For us, who aim for equality, this is an area we have not been able to overcome and it is regrettable."
Nevertheless, he assessed that income inequality has been greatly reduced during his term. Regarding the rise in real estate prices, he added, "Globally, liquidity has increased due to COVID-19 fiscal support," indicating that there are structural causes. This is interpreted to mean that the global rise in real estate prices has influenced the domestic real estate market. President Moon said, "The real estate issue has been the heaviest burden," and added, "I hope the stability continues until the end of my term."
In response to criticism that the minimum wage increase has made it difficult for self-employed business owners, he said, "The 10,000 won minimum wage was a common pledge of all candidates and parties in the last presidential election (2017)," but also expressed, "I always feel sorry for the small business owners and self-employed who have suffered."
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