Hong Ji-seon Nomination Revives Attention on Gyeonggi-Style Basic Housing

The nomination of Hong Ji-seon as a candidate for South Korea’s land and transport minister has brought President Lee Jae-myung’s “basic housing” concept back into focus.

Hong, now a second vice minister, previously worked with Lee during his tenure as governor of Gyeonggi Province. Lee promoted the basic housing idea at the time, making the policy an important part of the discussion surrounding Hong’s nomination.

Lee has not directly referred to basic housing since taking office. He has, however, said the government is considering supplying high-quality, long-term rental apartments that middle-class households could occupy. That position has renewed attention on whether the earlier Gyeonggi-style concept could regain momentum under the current administration.