Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Nominee's Confirmation Hearing on the 29th
"Mandatory Electronic Payment System for Private Sector as Well"
"Second Phase of Public Institution Relocation to Proceed Rapidly"
"Reinvestment Through SOC Restructuring"
"I believe the term 'Geonpok' (a portmanteau of 'construction union' and 'organized crime'), which likens construction workers to gangsters, is inappropriate."
Kim Yoonduk, nominee for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, stated, "I will not use the term 'Geonpok' going forward," expressing this view. This stance differs from that of former President Yoon Suk-yeol and other key officials of the previous administration, who publicly used the term "Geonpok" and took a confrontational stance against labor unions.
Kim Yoonduk, nominee for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, met with reporters for an interview on the 15th as he made his first visit to the hearing preparation office set up at the Government Gwacheon Complex. Photo by Yonhap News
In a written response submitted for the National Assembly confirmation hearing scheduled for the 29th, Kim stated, "I will guarantee the legitimate rights and interests of construction workers and prioritize solving chronic issues such as illegal subcontracting and delayed wage payments."
In particular, to eliminate wage arrears and similar issues in the construction sector, the electronic payment system for wages will be made mandatory for private construction projects. The relevant bill is currently pending in the National Assembly. Kim said, "After the amendment to the Framework Act on the Construction Industry passes, I will ensure its swift implementation in the field," and added, "We will promote a variety of measures to eradicate arrears, such as special on-site inspections and public disclosure of habitual offenders."
As immediate priorities, he cited balanced regional development and housing issues. He said, "I regret that the previous administration delayed the decision on the second relocation of public institutions," and added, "I will push forward with the second phase of public institution relocation at a rapid pace." Regarding the expansion of the Metropolitan Express Railway (GTX), he explained, "It is necessary for balanced national development," and added, "I will also consider ways to ease the financial burden on local governments."
Kim Yoonduk, nominee for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, is arriving at the Government Complex Gwacheon on the 15th to prepare for the confirmation hearing. Photo by Yoon Dongju
Regarding the recent overheating of housing prices in some areas of Seoul and the metropolitan region earlier this year, Kim assessed that the June 27 loan regulations have brought some stabilization. He emphasized, "It is most important to send a signal that a sufficient supply of high-quality housing will be provided in prime locations," and added, "We will prepare measures to revitalize housing supply in the metropolitan area in a timely manner."
On calls to expand the designation of Land Transaction Permission Zones, he said, "Such measures involve restricting citizens' property rights, so careful consideration is necessary." Regarding strengthening the three major lease laws, he stated, "There are concerns that this could shrink the market, so a cautious approach is needed." On the issue of applying the Debt Service Ratio (DSR) to jeonse loans, he showed a careful stance, saying, "Loan limits could be reduced, especially for low-income citizens and genuine end-users."
Regarding the ongoing investigation by the special prosecutor into alleged preferential treatment for the family of First Lady Kim Keonhee in the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway project, Kim said, "The essence of the case is whether there was preferential treatment for the First Lady's family and whether the project was halted unreasonably. It is important to clarify the problems in this decision-making process." However, he also stated, "Considering public convenience and local aspirations, it is necessary to resume the project as soon as possible."
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