Won Hee-ryong: "Telling Residents to 'Just Live' in Poorly Built Rental Apartments... Full Inspection of Defect Complaints"

Interior view of a newly constructed apartment in Chungju, Chungbuk, which is embroiled in a controversy over poor construction. / Photo by Online Community

[Asia Economy Reporter Noh Kyung-jo] Won Hee-ryong, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, recently expressed his frustration and anger over the move-in conditions of a newly built apartment in Hoam District, Chungju City, Chungbuk Province, which has become a topic of controversy online.

Attending the world's largest electronics and IT exhibition 'CES 2023' in Las Vegas, USA, Minister Won wrote on Facebook on the 9th (local time), "The wallpaper is torn, the ceiling is unfinished, and the balcony has no window frames in this newly built apartment. Telling residents to 'just live here' breaks their hearts." He also posted a photo showing a note that read "Just live here."

This apartment, supplied as a public-supported intermediate rental, consists of 10 buildings ranging from two basement floors to 25 floors above ground, with a total of 874 units of 74㎡ and 84㎡ exclusive area. The designated move-in period is from the 6th of this month to the 28th of next month.

Photos shared on online communities revealed that not only was the wallpaper unfinished inside the apartment, but the finishing was so poor that steel frames were exposed. Some units lacked balcony windows or fire detectors.

Minister Won stated, "It is said that such incidents occurred in some affordable apartments supported by the public and constructed by private construction companies," adding, "Although the construction companies faced difficulties such as material supply shortages due to the Cargo Truckers Solidarity Union's transport refusal, instead of apologizing, they mocked residents by saying 'just live here,' which is absolutely unforgivable."

He continued, "At least after the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport stepped in to inspect, defect repairs were hurriedly completed," and said, "Now, quality is essential even for rental apartments. We will conduct a thorough investigation of defect complaints in private rental apartments where low-income residents live and ensure prompt defect repairs."