The Democratic Party's Seoul City Party urged Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon on August 20 to stop merely repeating claims about redevelopment and reconstruction, calling for cooperation with the government. They also emphasized the need for innovative measures utilizing excess tax revenue.
Kim Young-bae, chair of the Seoul City Party, made these remarks during a meeting at the National Assembly focused on solutions for the youth housing crisis. He stated, "The supply issue in Seoul has been consistently raised," adding, "The Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements warned in 2024 about a shortage of housing starts in Seoul, predicting that a supply deficit will become a reality within two years." He criticized Mayor Oh, who has led the city for over five years, for blaming his predecessors, saying, "Isn't that an insult to the youth? I hope he presents alternatives."
Calls were also made to use excess tax revenue from the semiconductor boom to address the youth housing crisis. Han Jeong-ae, the party's secretary-general, emphasized, "The unprecedented tax revenue situation could last for several years. Bold measures beyond the usual are necessary regarding housing supply." Lawmaker Oh Gi-hyung added, "We should boldly invest about 20 trillion won in additional tax revenue for youth housing supply."
Lawyer Kim Nam-geun criticized Mayor Oh for focusing solely on redevelopment and reconstruction, questioning whether housing prices ranging from 1.5 billion to 2 billion won can be considered youth housing policy. He noted that the promotion of youth housing near transit stations has stalled during Mayor Oh's term, making future supply seem difficult. He pointed out that current projects were initiated by the previous administration and stated, "Mayor Oh should first reveal his plans for youth housing supply instead of just opposing the government's proposals."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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