Hwang Hee, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, has proposed remodeling decommissioned buses as a solution for youth housing. In response, the People Power Party criticized him, stating, "Hwang should become the first resident of the bus house to set an example."
On August 7, Hwang shared on his Facebook, "I have seen houseboats lining the canals in Amsterdam. They remodel decommissioned or used boats to provide over 10,000 housing units as a solution to housing issues." He suggested, "We can remodel decommissioned buses into living spaces and offer them as short-term housing for students near universities."
He added, "If we estimate the remodeling cost at around 50 million won, the total for 10,000 units would be about 500 billion won." He emphasized that this could serve as temporary housing for young people until they secure stable accommodations, highlighting the quick supply advantage of such a program.
Hwang also explained that depending on the remodeling method, they could design mobile bus houses that can be driven or trailer-type bus houses that can be moved by external vehicles.
In a statement, Park Chung-kwon, the spokesperson for the People Power Party, remarked, "Hwang and his family should immediately move into the first bus house to set an example." He further criticized the idea, stating, "Applying a one-dimensional logic to the reality of South Korea, which has a small land area and high population density, reveals a lack of policy knowledge and responsibility."
Park pointed out, "The reality faced by our youth is dire. To suggest they live temporarily in a remodeled decommissioned bus is a clear insult to the younger generation."
He urged for clarity on how such a bizarre idea emerged from a senior member of the ruling party and called on the presidential office to provide a clear official stance on this housing policy that pushes youth into buses.
In light of the controversy, Hwang clarified, "I have advocated for mixed-use housing and shared space development as housing supply measures and have proposed related legislation. The concept of bus houses I posted on Facebook is purely an idea. It aims to provide temporary housing for young people living in poor conditions until proper living spaces can be established."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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