Land minister nominee pledges Seoul talks on housing supply

The nominee to head the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said Monday he will closely consult with the Seoul city government to narrow differences over housing supply plans.

Hong Jee-sun, currently vice land minister, made the remarks a day after he was tapped to replace Land Minister Kim Yun-duk, who had faced opposition from the Seoul city government over a proposal to use parts of Yongsan Park in central Seoul for housing development.

“I will hold sufficient consultations with the Seoul city government in advance to ensure that housing policies are effectively implemented,” Hong told reporters on his way to the government complex in the administrative city of Sejong.

Hong stressed the importance of cooperation between the central and local governments, citing his experience with housing and urban development policy while serving in the Gyeonggi provincial government.

“I will work to promptly supply quality housing in areas where people want to live, while paying particular attention to housing stability for young people and newlyweds,” he said.

The nominee is required to undergo a parliamentary confirmation hearing before President Lee Jae Myung formally appoints him as minister.

Yonhap