Kim Tae-heum: "Low Rent Without Contribution to Naepo Art Village Area Is a Privilege"

Rent and Other Fees Scheduled to Increase

The Naepo Art Village, which offers low rental fees to artists in Chungnam, has been criticized as a special privilege.

According to the provincial government on the 10th, since September 2021, the Art Village has been established to revitalize culture and arts in the Naepo area, providing artists with affordable rental fees. For a 39-pyeong (130㎡) unit, the rental deposit is 160 million KRW, and the monthly rent is 390,000 KRW.

Currently, 16 out of 19 units are occupied, and after a 10-year lease, conversion to ownership is also possible.

However, at the time of the first cooperative recruitment announcement in 2019, conditions such as mandatory talent donation activities upon moving into the Art Village were not reflected, leading to criticism that the contribution to the local community is insufficient compared to the benefits of low rental fees.

Governor Kim Tae-heum pointed out at the meeting of department heads held that day, "I do not know what the artists residing in Naepo Art Village contribute to the region," and added, "Providing low rental fees without any contribution to the community is a special privilege."

He further stated, "I do not understand why this benefit should be provided with taxpayers' money. Benefits should be given only if they participate in provincial events for free or guide school drama clubs as talent donations. Otherwise, it would be better to support the youth."

In response, the province decided to amend the cooperative bylaws to make talent donation activities mandatory for resident artists.

Based on an appraisal result in January, rental fees will also be increased. For a 39-pyeong (130㎡) unit, the rental deposit will rise from 160 million KRW to 176 million KRW, and the monthly rent will increase from 390,000 KRW to 620,000 KRW. However, this will apply only to new resident artists, and for existing residents, a 5% increase will be applied upon contract renewal in September next year.

For the three vacant units, if the cooperative does not utilize them, they will be converted to supply for the general public.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.