'What people need most urgently is speed of supply'

'Transferring permit authority for sub-500-unit projects to local governments under review'

Han Byung-do, acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, delivers opening remarks at a supreme council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. (Lee Sang-sub)
Han Byung-do, acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, delivers opening remarks at a supreme council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. (Lee Sang-sub)

Han Byung-do, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said Thursday that the country must find ways to use the Tancheon and Yongsan areas for housing for young people and ordinary citizens.

Speaking at a policy coordination meeting at the National Assembly, Han said the party should "keep all options open and examine every possible site where the needed housing can be built."

"What people need most urgently right now is speed of supply," he said. "If we say supply is desperately needed, how can the public accept an attitude that refuses to even discuss certain sites?"

The remarks appeared directed at the government, the ruling People Power Party and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, who have opposed plans to use the Yongsan International Business District and areas along the Tancheon stream for housing.

Han said the Democratic Party would not be swayed by what he called the irresponsible stalling of Mayor Oh and the People Power Party, and vowed to complete follow-up legislation on the government's housing supply measures.

Han also threw his weight behind a plan, being pursued jointly by the party and the government, to transfer permit authority over reconstruction and redevelopment projects of 500 units or fewer to basic local governments.

"We will actively review transferring authority over improvement projects of 500 units or fewer to basic local governments," he said, explaining that it was a practical measure to reduce permitting bottlenecks and allow local districts — which know their communities best — to make swift decisions suited to local conditions.

He then criticized those who prioritize the Seoul mayor's authority over housing supply. "What the public is waiting for is not a guarantee of the Seoul mayor's powers, but housing delivered on time," Han said. "Worrying about the mayor's authority before housing supply is an argument that has things exactly backwards."

Han went on to say that Oh and the People Power Party should not trap housing supply in a political turf war over authority. "The Democratic Party will examine every available site and provide the necessary legislation in a timely manner to protect the housing stability of the people," he said.


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