Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon Regrets Being Silenced at State Council Meeting

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon voiced disappointment after being denied an opportunity to speak at a State Council meeting, where he had intended to present the city's real estate stabilization measures. He had prepared a concise presentation and a detailed report, but was informed that the matter would be better addressed in an upcoming grand debate on real estate.

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I had prepared to summarize my points within 10 minutes and refer to the report for details, so I am quite disappointed not to have had the chance to speak.

"I had prepared to summarize my points within 10 minutes and refer to the report for details, so I am quite disappointed not to have had the chance to speak," Oh stated at a press briefing. He had sought to address the city's real estate market, which he described as facing a "triple rise" in prices for sales, leases, and monthly rents. However, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo suggested deferring the discussion to a dedicated forum, opting instead to receive Oh's proposals in writing.

Oh emphasized the importance of robust debate in such meetings, suggesting that having a "devil's advocate" can lead to better conclusions. While acknowledging that some speculated about a "deliberate snub," he preferred not to interpret the situation as such. He reiterated Seoul's stance that policy focus must shift from demand suppression to supply expansion.

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This matter would be better discussed in that forum, so let's move the discussion there.

In line with this, Seoul submitted a 30-page proposal to the central government. The plan includes measures such as easing loan regulations for residents relocating due to redevelopment projects, relaxing restrictions on the transfer of ownership for housing cooperative members, promoting private rental housing supply, and adjusting tax brackets for property taxes and comprehensive real estate taxes. Oh indicated that Seoul would consider participating in the government's real estate debate and potentially host its own forum.

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State Council meetings should be places for vigorous debate. It is desirable to foster a meeting atmosphere where a devil's advocate is appointed to raise counterarguments, leading to better conclusions.