Korean Lawmaker Apologizes for Controversial Comments on Housing Prices
Rep. Bok Ki-wang of the Democratic Party has sparked controversy by defending recent real estate measures, claiming that apartments priced around 1.5 billion KRW (approximately 1.1 million USD) are "affordable for ordinary citizens." On a recent episode of SBS Radios "Kim Tae-hyuns Political Show," he acknowledged that his choice of words was not careful enough and expressed his regret, stating, "The average price of an apartment in Seoul is about 1.5 billion KRW."
On the previous day, during a parliamentary audit, Rep. Bok had also expressed remorse, saying, "If my remarks caused any hurt, I regret that I did not choose a more appropriate expression as a public figure."
Despite the backlash, Rep. Bok emphasized that since the announcement of the June 27 measures, there have been no changes made to properties priced below 1.5 billion KRW. He argued, "If 1.5 billion KRW apartments are not affordable for the average citizen, doesnt that mean we are still maintaining the housing ladder for the wealthy? I believe the criticisms from the opposition party must be coherent."
He further questioned why there were claims of deception regarding the housing market, asserting, "We have not touched anything for those looking to buy homes priced below 1.5 billion KRW. I do not understand why they are stirring up falsehoods."
When asked about the popular demand for asset accumulation, Rep. Bok responded, "The desire for wealth accumulation must be curtailed to some extent to align with the public good. While everyone has desires, we must ask some to hold back for the benefit of the community, particularly in the context of managing policies in South Korea and Seoul."
This incident highlights ongoing tensions in South Koreas property market and the challenges faced by lawmakers in addressing citizens concerns about housing affordability while also navigating political opposition.
On the previous day, during a parliamentary audit, Rep. Bok had also expressed remorse, saying, "If my remarks caused any hurt, I regret that I did not choose a more appropriate expression as a public figure."
Despite the backlash, Rep. Bok emphasized that since the announcement of the June 27 measures, there have been no changes made to properties priced below 1.5 billion KRW. He argued, "If 1.5 billion KRW apartments are not affordable for the average citizen, doesnt that mean we are still maintaining the housing ladder for the wealthy? I believe the criticisms from the opposition party must be coherent."
He further questioned why there were claims of deception regarding the housing market, asserting, "We have not touched anything for those looking to buy homes priced below 1.5 billion KRW. I do not understand why they are stirring up falsehoods."
When asked about the popular demand for asset accumulation, Rep. Bok responded, "The desire for wealth accumulation must be curtailed to some extent to align with the public good. While everyone has desires, we must ask some to hold back for the benefit of the community, particularly in the context of managing policies in South Korea and Seoul."
This incident highlights ongoing tensions in South Koreas property market and the challenges faced by lawmakers in addressing citizens concerns about housing affordability while also navigating political opposition.
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