Refusing to Move Over Redevelopment Compensation... Now a Photo Spot
Demolition Impossible Without Owner's Consent, 'Albakgi' Widespread
A story has emerged of a man in a redevelopment area in China who ended up living in the middle of a highway after trying to receive a higher compensation.
On the 24th (local time), the British Metro reported the story of Mr. Huang Ping, who lives in a two-story detached house in Jinxi, southwest of Shanghai, China.
When the village where Huang lived was designated as a redevelopment area, the authorities at the time offered him 1.6 million yuan and two properties as compensation.
He refused to move, claiming the compensation was insufficient, and after repeated negotiations with the authorities, the number of properties was increased to three. However, unable to let go of his greed, Huang continued to refuse to move, and eventually the negotiations broke down.
In response, the authorities began constructing a highway surrounding his house on both sides. The highway is scheduled to open this spring.
A House That Refused to Move and Ended Up in the Middle of the Highway Photo by X (formerly Twitter) Capture
Due to the construction causing loud noise and dust, Huang expressed regret, saying, "If I could turn back time, I would have agreed to the demolition terms they proposed," and added, "It feels like losing a big bet."
Unable to endure the noise, Huang is known to spend most of his daytime hours in the city with his 11-year-old grandson.
Despite Huang's regrets, his house has become famous nearby and turned into a 'photo zone.' Huang is called "the most stubborn homeowner in China." The term 'nail house (dingzihu)' refers to a house like his that refuses to move and stands out as if a nail is sticking out in the middle of the road.
In China, rapid urban development in various regions frequently leads to cases like Huang's. Unlike South Korea, which practically does not recognize so-called 'albakgi' (land occupation), in China, demolition without the owner's consent is illegal.
Especially in China, compensation and acquisition only begin after construction starts, which leads to ongoing unfortunate incidents like Huang's.
In April 2015, a homeowner in Nanning refused to move due to dissatisfaction with demolition compensation, resulting in a nail house standing in the middle of a road for 18 years. In July 2013, a nail house remaining in a luxury villa complex in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, also became a topic of interest.
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