Lee Jae-myung Visits the Challenging Region of Busan... Campaigning While Promoting the Jeonse Fraud Act

Democratic Party Leadership Holds Meeting with 'Jeonse Fraud Victims'
Lee Jae-myung: "Amendment to Be Supplemented Based on 'Relief First, Recourse Later'"
When Asked About 'Voluntary Resignation of Established Powers,' He Avoids Answer, Saying "Jeonse Fraud Is Serious"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, met with victims of jeonse fraud in Busan, considered a "difficult terrain," and promised legislative improvements centered on "prior relief, subsequent recourse." This is interpreted as a strategic move to appeal to public sentiment shaken by the failure to secure the Busan Expo.

On the afternoon of the 13th, Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party leadership personally visited 22 households affected by jeonse fraud in the Suyeong District of Busan to assess the damage. Afterwards, Lee held a meeting with the victims at a cafe, stating, "The issue of jeonse fraud victims stems partly from deficiencies or inadequacies in the national system, from systems that are not properly established," and added, "The state must take some responsibility in this area to help individuals restore their daily lives and recover."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is holding a meeting with victims of rental fraud in the Busan area at a cafe in Suyeong-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 13th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

He said, "We promised to revise the Special Act on Support for Jeonse Fraud Victims and Housing Stability every six months," but criticized, "However, even after six months, there has been no news, and existing victims have no measures, leading some to take extreme actions." He continued, "The core of the special law revision should be 'prior relief, subsequent recourse.' While the amount and ratio need to be discussed, fundamentally, this must be introduced, and it is appropriate for the government to bear part of the flow and costs."

Lee also stated, "A system that provides interest-free loans for a certain period to cover part of the damages and offers a chance for recovery should be introduced," adding, "If housing prices fall somewhat, there is a possibility of further decline, which would increase the damage, and if fundamental measures are not established, I am concerned about what will happen to our society."

Park Ju-min, the Democratic Party’s floor deputy leader, urged the government and ruling party to engage in progressive discussions on the amendment. He criticized, "Despite numerous attempts at dialogue, the government and ruling party have not responded so far," and said, "I think the Democratic Party may need to use 'extraordinary measures'." He added, "We will do our best to ensure the bill passes the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee within this year."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is holding a meeting with victims of jeonse fraud in the Busan area at a cafe in Suyeong-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 13th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Immediately after the meeting, Lee also repeatedly requested reporters that the government and ruling party actively participate in discussions on the amendment. He emphasized, "Since jeonse fraud victims are increasing nationwide, the government and ruling party should cooperate on effective measures where the government bears the financial burden," and earnestly asked, "I sincerely request a somewhat different attitude than now."

However, regarding questions about the "voluntary resignation of vested interests" following the previous day’s announcement by People Power Party lawmaker Jang Je-won that he will not run in next year’s general election, and the subsequent confirmations of non-candidacy by Democratic Party "first-term" lawmakers Hong Seong-guk and Lee Tan-hee, Lee avoided answering, saying, "(Jeonse fraud) is a serious issue for victims to the extent that they give up on life."