Jang Dong-hyuk Criticizes Jung Won-o's Housing Policy and Past Assault Case

Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, launched an attack on Jung Won-o, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, on May 15, addressing his housing policies and a past assault incident. Jang criticized Jung, stating, "Following Lee Jae-myung's intentions is the priority, while Seoul citizens are left behind."

During a meeting of the Central Election Countermeasure Committee at the National Assembly, Jang warned, "If Jung Won-o becomes mayor, a tax bomb will drop, and 'Hell Seoul' will open up."

He expressed concern that Lee Jae-myung's housing policies seem to be a continuation of the Moon Jae-in era, but added, "The new Lee Jae-myung is even worse." He noted that housing prices in Seoul, including Gangnam, have skyrocketed, and the abolition of the capital gains tax has drastically reduced available listings.

Jang pointed out, "With rental properties so scarce, we are seeing 'no-look' contracts where payments are made without viewing the homes first," and mentioned that monthly rents have surged, with some reaching 3 million won even in northern Seoul.

He remarked, "Ordinary citizens, whose loans have been cut off, are now spending their entire salaries on rent," and criticized Lee Jae-myung for shifting to silence after previously pressuring the real estate market, stating, "The government seems to have no further measures in sight."

Jang also criticized Jung for proposing a property tax reduction for retirees with no substantial plans for housing policies to assist young people who are delaying marriage. He questioned whether the development approach is effective, saying, "Is it a steady development or a gradual one? The supply policy is inadequate."

He added, "There has been no stance on increasing property taxes or abolishing long-term holding special deductions," emphasizing that the only mayor who protects homes and assets is Oh Se-hoon from the People Power Party.

Regarding Jung's past assault controversy, Jang stated, "His explanations only seem to fuel public anger rather than clarify the situation," and pointed out that the minutes from council meetings show that the then-district mayor did not respond at all to inquiries. He questioned the validity of bringing in unusual individuals to stir public outrage, stating, "He cannot address his campaign promises or clarify allegations and keeps passing them off to substitutes."

He concluded, "Broken things tend to leak everywhere," asserting that this local election is about ousting underqualified Democratic candidates.