Pyeongtaek Mayor Choi Wonyong: "I Will Stand by Residents Until Seohui Starhills Move-in Issues Are Fully Resolved"

Mayor Choi Wonyong Visits Site of Retention Right Dispute, Requests Move-In Approval
Calls for Responsible Negotiations Between Builder and Lenders Over Loan Issues
Conditional Move-In Resumes from August 4; Mayor Listens to Prospective Residents' Concerns

Choi Wonyong, Mayor of Pyeongtaek City, stated regarding the delayed move-in and loan-related issues at Seohui Starhills Apartments, "I will stand by the prospective residents until the end, so that they can quickly and safely settle into their new homes."

Choi Won-yong, mayor of Pyeongtaek City, visited the Seohistahills apartment site on the 1st and spoke with prospective residents who are facing difficulties moving in due to the construction company's exercise of retention rights, listening to their grievances. Screenshot from Mayor Choi Won-yong's Facebook page

On August 6, through his social networking service (SNS), Mayor Choi expressed, "It pains me to think about the heavy hearts of the members and prospective residents who are deeply worried about the move-in issues."

Mayor Choi received a call from the prospective residents on the 1st, alerting him that "it may become impossible to move in due to the construction company's exercise of its retention right." He immediately visited the site, where the entrance to the apartment complex was reportedly blocked by containers.

At the site, Mayor Choi requested that, at the very least, those prospective residents who had already paid their remaining balance be allowed to move in first. He also conveyed that he was willing to meet the construction company's management directly to discuss possible solutions if necessary.

Subsequently, the move-in began on August 4, but a new challenge has emerged regarding the loans. Due to differences between the construction company and financial institutions, some prospective residents have encountered obstacles in receiving their loans.

Mayor Choi emphasized, "Residents preparing to move in are facing significant anxiety and hardship because of moving schedules and financial issues," adding, "These kinds of losses must not continue to affect the residents."

Choi Wonyong, mayor of Pyeongtaek City, visited the Seohee Starhills Apartment site on the 1st and talked with prospective residents who are facing difficulties moving in due to the construction company's lien exercise, listening to their complaints. Screenshot from Mayor Choi Wonyong's Facebook page

He further called upon the construction company and financial institutions by saying, "The top priority must be the lives and everyday routines of the residents. Please engage in responsible and active consultation so that residents do not suffer due to your differences."

Mayor Choi also stated, "We will continue consulting with relevant authorities to come up with practical solutions," reinforcing, "I will remain with the prospective residents until everyone can move in without worry and start their new lives as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, the apartment complex in question is located in Block 8 of the Hwayang District in Hyeondeok-myeon, Pyeongtaek City. It comprises 22 buildings, with 2 basement stories and up to 27 above-ground stories, totaling 1,554 units. On July 31, the designated move-in period began, but prospective residents experienced inconvenience as access to the complex was restricted due to a construction cost settlement dispute between the construction company, Seohui Construction, and the local housing cooperative.

The cooperative insisted that it would settle the outstanding construction costs with the remaining balances paid during the move-in process. However, Seohui Construction reportedly demanded a payment guarantee letter from each cooperative member for the remaining construction cost of about 71.5 billion won. After negotiations, both parties agreed to allow move-in for cooperative members who had submitted the guarantee letter and completed their final balance payment.

Choi Wonyong, Mayor of Pyeongtaek, visited the Seohui Starhills apartment site on the 1st and spoke with prospective residents facing difficulties moving in due to the construction company's exercise of retention rights, listening to their concerns. Capture from Mayor Choi Wonyong's Facebook page

As a result, from August 4, entry to the complex was permitted and the move-in support center resumed its work. Nevertheless, issues regarding the balance loan remain unresolved. The cooperative and Seohui Construction are currently discussing the specific conditions and additional procedures for balance loans with the banks handling the loans. Once each financial institution completes its review, the detailed move-in schedule for both general sales contract holders and cooperative members awaiting loans is also expected to be determined sequentially.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.