Cho Kuk "Consider Using 500 Billion Won from East Sea Drilling for Rental Housing"

Explanation of Social Rights in Advanced Countries and Related Remarks

Jo Guk, leader of the Jo Guk Innovation Party, commented on June 16 regarding President Yoon Seok-yeol's announcement of the East Sea oil and gas exploration plan, saying, "We need to consider whether to spend the 500 billion won used to drill five wells in the East Sea there or on public rental housing."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the same day, Jo made these remarks during a dialogue with party members held at Changwon National University in Gyeongnam. This statement came while explaining the 'advanced social rights' that the Innovation Party insists should be included in the preamble of the revised constitution.

He explained, "The Yoon Seok-yeol administration plans to spend 500 billion won on drilling, but the idea of an advanced social rights country is to use that money for housing, childcare, and healthcare."

He added, "Looking at welfare states like the Netherlands, they provide public rental housing without asking whether the relationship is a de facto marriage or a formal marriage, allowing selection based on area or duration," and said, "Since the country provides high-quality public rental housing, young people are freed from worries about raising children."

Regarding the allegations of preferential treatment in the route change of the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway, Jo said, "You know that the Yangpyeong Expressway is curved," and added, "This is also our budget and the taxes paid by the people."