[2025 Audit] Minister Kim Yoonduk: "Meeting with Mayor Oh Sehoon Next Month"

"I Will Listen to Voices on the Ground"
Expansion of Town Hall Meetings with Residents

Kim Yoonduk, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, announced that he is seeking a meeting with Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon to discuss current real estate issues.

On the morning of October 29, during a comprehensive audit by the National Assembly’s Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, Minister Kim responded to a question from Bae Junyoung, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, who asked, "Government policies are out of touch with market realities. Have you met with Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon?" Kim replied, "A meeting was originally scheduled, but the mayor had an urgent commitment, so it was postponed to next month."

When Assemblyman Bae commented, "It seems that meeting each other is not a priority," and added, "You, as the minister, should have taken the initiative to meet and discuss," Minister Kim responded, "I did suggest the meeting first."

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Regarding a question about whether he had discussed the recent request from 15 district heads in Seoul, all members of the People Power Party, to fully lift speculative area regulations, Minister Kim said, "I believe the proper order is to meet with the mayor of Seoul first." He continued, "After meeting with the mayor and having a conversation, I will consider and decide on plans to meet with the district heads after further deliberation."

When Assemblyman Bae asked, "Public sentiment is boiling over. Do you have any plans for a town hall meeting with residents?" Minister Kim replied, "Yesterday, I visited a redevelopment site in Seongdong-gu," and added, "I will continue to hold town hall meetings and make efforts to listen to residents’ opinions going forward."

When Assemblyman Bae asked whether apartments are considered assets or a means of residence, Minister Kim answered, "They have both characteristics," and explained, "Government policy targets are not all citizens who are actual owners or wish to purchase real estate, but rather those with speculative interests or those whose home purchases are far removed from actual ownership." He added, "I am also aware that real estate constitutes a large portion of household assets and debt in reality."

When Assemblyman Bae pointed out the controversy surrounding Lee Chanjin, Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service, saying, "If you list a property 400 million won higher than the actual transaction price, it can raise the asking prices in the area," Minister Kim replied, "I will gather accurate information and then organize my opinion." During the audit on October 27, Governor Lee announced he would sell one of his two apartments in Umyeon-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, and was criticized for listing it 400 million won above the most recent transaction price. It is currently understood that the price has since been reduced.