Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon criticizes government's real estate focus, calls accusations 'petty blame-shifting'

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon made an unusual appearance at a ruling party policy meeting, directly criticizing the government's real estate policies and demanding a "comprehensive review of policies fixated on actual residency." He also strongly refuted claims from within the ruling party that he is responsible for housing supply shortages, labeling such accusations as "petty blame-shifting."

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A comprehensive review of policies fixated on actual residency must be carried out.

Speaking at the People Power Party's weekly meeting, Oh acknowledged that some of Seoul's requested regulatory improvements were included in the government's recently announced measures. However, he expressed regret over the announcement process, stating, "Excluding Seoul City from the policy decision-making process is not desirable."

Oh specifically targeted the government's tax reform plan, announced earlier this month. He argued, "We must abandon the uniform notion that categorizes citizens as speculators based solely on whether they occupy their homes. Increasing tax burdens for long-term homeowners or those unable to live in their homes due to circumstances is effectively a property tax increase."

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We must abandon the uniform notion that categorizes citizens as speculators based solely on whether they occupy their homes.

He further pointed to a "structural supply gap" in Seoul, noting that 389 redevelopment zones were canceled during the previous administration and that no new housing development zones were designated between 2016 and 2020. "As Seoul City accelerates efforts on the ground, we ask the National Assembly to remove unreasonable regulations and open the path for supply," he urged.

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The exclusion of Seoul City from the policy decision-making process is not desirable.

Later, speaking to reporters, Oh escalated his criticism. He responded to President Lee Jae-myung's remarks about a "supply cliff" since 2022, which implied a shortage during the terms of former President Yoon Suk-yeol and Oh himself. "We frequently witness attempts by the government and the Democratic Party to deflect blame. This is petty blame-shifting," Oh stated. He added, "The supply of 430,000 households in Seoul vanished overnight during the tenure of former Mayor Park Won-soon. To claim that construction and supply have not occurred due to negligence in permits since then is truly unscrupulous."

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We frequently witness attempts by the government and the Democratic Party to deflect blame. This is petty blame-shifting.