"Now It's Your Turn to Call the Realtor"...Ruling Party Urges Donghyuk Jang to Respond as President Lee Decides to Sell His Apartment

Ruling Party Ramps Up Calls for Action

People Power Party Dismisses Move as "Mere Showmanship"

With President Lee Jae-myung deciding to put his apartment in Bundang, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province-which is valued at around 3 billion won-on the market, political attention has turned to Donghyuk Jang, leader of the Kookmin Party. This is because Jang had previously stated, "If the President sells, I will sell too," putting the actual disposal of his properties to the test.

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the 'Listening to the Heart of Jeonbuk' town hall meeting held at Jeonbuk National University in Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do on the 27th. Photo by Yonhap News

The presidential office announced on the 27th that President Lee would sell the Bundang apartment he owns jointly with his spouse. A presidential office official explained, "It was a single home for actual residence, but the intent is to demonstrate a commitment to normalizing the real estate market through action."

President Lee personally explained the background in a post on social media. He stated, "Just as I didn't buy it for the money, I'm not selling it for the money either. Economically, there may be some profit, but as the chief official responsible for real estate policy, I felt it was better to fulfill my duty as a public servant who should be a model for everyone, rather than provide ammunition for political attacks over my house."

This decision has brought renewed focus to Jang's real estate holdings. Previously, when supporters with pro-administration leanings on YouTube called on him to sell his properties during a trip to Jeju, Jang had replied, "If the President sells, I will sell too." Currently, he has reported a total of six properties-including apartments and officetels in Seoul and a house in Chungnam-counting partial ownership. Jang's team explained, "Even combined, the total is about 850 million won at current market value," and stated that all properties are either for actual residence or have a clear purpose of use.

Jeongcheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party, wrote on social media, "Now it is Donghyuk Jang's turn to respond," adding, "We look forward to Donghyuk Jang's courage." Assemblyman Han Junho commented, "He showed it through actions, not words," while Assemblyman Park Joomin put pressure on Jang by saying, "Representative Jang, we await your answer." Assemblywoman Choi Minhee wrote, "Answer, Donghyuk Jang!" and Assemblyman Jeon Yonggi sarcastically added, "Isn't it your turn to call the real estate agent now?" Assemblyman Park Honggeun also urged a decision, saying, "Leadership requires setting an example and self-sacrifice."

Kookmin Party leader Donghyuk Jang is drinking water after finishing his opening remarks at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 26th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The Kookmin Party immediately pushed back. Supreme Council member Shin Dongwook said, "Will selling a single house change the market?" and dismissed it as a "gesture for show." Chief spokesperson Park Sunghoon also pointed out, "Substantive policies to restore market trust should come first." Jang's side stated, "We are monitoring the situation," and did not announce a concrete stance.

The war of nerves between the sides intensified before and after the Lunar New Year holiday. When President Lee mentioned the need for regulations on multiple home ownership, Jang countered by referring to a property where his elderly mother resides. Afterwards, the ruling and opposition parties continued to clash daily over "expected reconstruction profits" and the "legitimacy of owning multiple homes."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.