Kim Young-bae, chair of the Democratic Party's Seoul chapter, met with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon to discuss housing supply plans utilizing Yongsan Park, but both sides reaffirmed their differences.
According to Yonhap News, after a luncheon meeting with Mayor Oh at the mayor's residence on August 22, Kim told reporters at the National Assembly, "It was difficult to reach a broad agreement on housing supply, and the differences were significant."
The government is considering expanding housing supply through limited youth housing initiatives on parts of Yongsan Park and easing regulations in development-restricted areas (greenbelts) in Seoul. However, the Seoul City government opposes housing supply at Yongsan Park and any further greenbelt releases.
Kim stated, "The city strongly opposed supplying youth housing at Yongsan Park and the Yongsan maintenance depot, citing various legal and traffic issues," adding, "The city party suggested that we review all issues openly."
He particularly criticized Mayor Oh's stance on greenbelts, saying, "Mayor Oh proposed the release of the greenbelt in the Seoripul area in 2023, and while that project proceeded, he now opposes further greenbelt releases. This raises concerns that he is engaging in self-centered politics while citizens, including youth, are struggling with housing difficulties."
Kim continued, "It seems that Mayor Oh wants to highlight himself as a politician with valuable vision by stating, 'No to greenbelts' and 'I cannot concede even 1 cm of Yongsan Park.' Is there no effort from the government to resolve housing difficulties?"
Mayor Oh reportedly proposed a compromise plan to develop nearby industrial sites instead of Yongsan Park. In response, Kim remarked, "The residences at sites like the Gyeongnidang area are already occupied by people living and working there. It is unreasonable to unilaterally present alternatives without securing the prerequisites for development."
However, the two sides did not clash on every issue. Kim noted, "There is ample room for discussion regarding regulatory adjustments, such as incentives for redevelopment and reconstruction." He expressed his willingness to cooperate with Mayor Oh on budget and policy matters for the benefit of Seoul citizens, despite being from the opposition party.
He also indicated that if the Seoul City government submits necessary requests regarding budget and policy by mid-next month, they would strive to actively reflect those needs.
Regarding the potential use of part of the Future Response Fund for youth housing supply, Kim stated, "The Seoul chapter is willing to actively pursue the use of surplus tax revenue for the benefit of citizens," adding that Mayor Oh was in strong agreement and they decided to discuss it further.
Earlier, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yun-deok also met with Mayor Oh on August 20 to discuss housing supply plans for Yongsan Park, but they too were unable to narrow their differences.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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