Minister Nominee Kim Yoonduk: President Lee Jaemyung Orders Aggressive Approach to LH Reform

"Revitalize Reconstruction and Redevelopment,
But Public Interest Must Be Preserved"

Kim Yoonduk, nominee for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, expressed a strong commitment to major reforms on the 15th, stating that "the structural problems at Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) must be fundamentally reformed." He also conveyed that President Lee Jaemyung instructed him not to take a passive approach, but to pursue aggressive reforms.

Kim made these remarks when asked by reporters at the confirmation hearing preparation office set up at the Government Complex Gwacheon in the morning, regarding whether President Lee Jaemyung had made any specific requests. He said, "In the case of LH reform, I was asked to take an active and aggressive approach, considering not just the issues with existing employees but also a large-scale, structural reform that could fundamentally change the system." He added, "President Lee said he would prefer a proactive rather than a passive approach."

Kim Yoonduk, nominee for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, is answering reporters' questions as he arrives for his first day at the confirmation hearing preparation office set up at the Government Complex Gwacheon on the 15th. Photo by Yonhap News

Regarding the direction of housing supply, Kim stated, "I need to look into the progress of the third phase new towns, but rather than creating new towns, I think it would be better to actively utilize various available sites."

However, on the issues of easing regulations on reconstruction and redevelopment, and abolishing the reconstruction excess profit recovery system, he made it clear that 'public interest' must be the precondition. Kim said, "To increase supply, we need to actively consider easing reconstruction regulations," but drew a line by saying it should not be done solely in pursuit of private interests. He explained, "There needs to be a balance between private and public interests," and added, "While we will move toward revitalizing reconstruction and redevelopment and easing floor area ratio regulations, we will proceed with careful consideration of the public interest."

Kim, a native of Buan, North Jeolla Province, entered politics after working in civic activism and is a three-term senior lawmaker of the Democratic Party of Korea. He has served twice on the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee and has consistently raised his voice on land and transport issues, including introducing the "Special Act on Metropolitan Area Transportation Management" (Daegwang Act) as his first bill. Within the party, he is considered a key member of the pro-Lee Jaemyung faction.

Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport nominee Kim Yoonduk going to work on the 15th to prepare for the confirmation hearing. Photo by Yonhap News