Lee Eokwon, nominee for the Financial Services Commission chairman, is attending the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly's Committee on Economy and Finance on the 2nd, responding to questions from lawmakers. September 2, 2025 Photo by Kim Hyunmin
Lee Eokwon, nominee for the Chairman of the Financial Services Commission, who is facing allegations of gap speculation in Gangnam reconstruction apartment complexes, stated, "I am well aware that, from the public's perspective, there is a possibility of moral criticism."
On September 2, during the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly's Committee on Political Affairs, Lee responded to a lawmaker's question asking whether he felt remorse for the potential for moral criticism regarding the Gangnam reconstruction apartments.
Lee is suspected of purchasing apartments before reconstruction in 2005 and 2013 and not residing in them due to living abroad. In the case of the Gaepo-dong Jugong Apartment he purchased in 2013, it is reported that the capital gains after reconstruction amounted to approximately 4 billion KRW (about 4 billion won).
He explained, "When I went abroad, I moved houses twice according to my circumstances," and added, "I am currently living in that house and plan to stay there for the rest of my life."
In response to a question pointing out that, unlike when he purchased his apartment, the strengthening of loan regulations is now causing resentment among those without homes, he said, "I will keep your words in mind and reflect on them deeply."
Regarding the fact that he received about 620 million KRW in salary and other compensation over three years while working at several companies after retiring as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Lee remarked, "I must also consider whether this is appropriate from the public's perspective."
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