Civic groups demand return of officials suspended over housing data probe

Civic organizations are demanding the swift return of experienced officials to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), arguing that their suspension due to an investigation into alleged real estate statistics manipulation is hindering effective housing policy.

Groups including lawmakers from the Cho Kuk Innovation Party and Catholic organizations stated that the prolonged absence of these officials, who have expertise in areas like housing supply, new city development, and urban regeneration, is weakening the government's ability to address potential instability in the Seoul rental market. They highlighted the urgent need for prompt and precise housing supply policies and tenant protection measures.

The controversy stems from an audit by the Board of Audit and Inspection under the previous Yoon Suk-yeol administration, which accused MOLIT officials of manipulating real estate statistics during the Moon Jae-in government. This led to 11 officials being suspended or facing disciplinary action. The core of the allegation was the manipulation of housing statistics by the Blue House and MOLIT through the Korea Real Estate Board.

However, the situation has become more complex. The Board of Audit and Inspection is currently reviewing an appeal against its findings, filed by MOLIT after the Moon administration's term. Furthermore, prosecutors amended the charges in the ongoing trial from "statistical manipulation" to "statistical modification." These developments have fueled claims that the original audit and prosecution were politically motivated to discredit the previous administration.

Despite these shifts, the suspended officials remain sidelined. Two high-ranking officials have been receiving only 20% of their salary for nearly three years, while others face career disadvantages like delayed promotions and exclusion from key positions. This personnel vacuum is reportedly causing significant difficulties in filling critical roles within MOLIT's housing supply division, exacerbating the policy challenges.