Democratic Party Lawmaker Proposes 'Bus House'... People Power Party Says, "Live There Yourself First"

Three-term Lawmaker Hwang Hee Proposes Remodeling Decommissioned Buses
Clarifies Amid Controversy: "It Was Merely a Pure Idea"

Regarding the proposal by Hwang Hee, a three-term lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, to remodel discarded buses for use as residential spaces—a concept known as the 'Bus House'—the People Power Party has demanded a withdrawal of his remarks and an official apology.

On August 7, Assemblyman Hwang took to social media to reference examples of remodeled abandoned and used boats being turned into homes in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, stating, "I propose a program to remodel discarded buses into residential spaces and offer them as short-term housing for university-area youth."

Hwang Hee, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (head of the Seoul Metropolitan Election Planning Team), is holding a press briefing on real estate policy directions at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on January 6, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

He added, "Even if the remodeling cost is set at around 50 million won per unit, for 10,000 units the total would only be about 500 billion won," noting, "Depending on the remodeling method, we could design mobile Bus Houses that can move under their own power, or trailer-type Bus Houses that can be transported by external vehicles."

He continued, "Since the government’s housing supply policy relies heavily on the private sector, the pace can be slow," arguing, "This could be used as a temporary residential solution for young people before they secure stable housing, and it could be supplied quickly—meaning there is ample reason to consider the idea."

In response, People Power Party chief spokesperson Park Chungkwon issued a statement saying, "Is this really a measure to address the future of our country’s youth? Assemblyman Hwang should lead by example and have himself and his family be the very first Bus House tenants immediately."

Chief spokesperson Park further pointed out, "Houseboats in Amsterdam are merely an alternative housing option that exists for only a small minority, even in the unique geographical context of the Netherlands, with its reclamation and canal system," and demanded, "Assemblyman Hwang must immediately retract this outrageous remark that has scarred the hearts of young people and offer a sincere apology to the public."

He also called for clarity on "how such a bizarre idea could come from a senior ruling party member," and urged, "The Presidential Office must also announce its official stance on these housing policies that are pushing young people into buses."

As the criticism spread, Assemblyman Hwang deleted his original post and wrote a clarification, stating, "Young people are telling me they feel uncomfortable," and clarifying, "The Bus House concept was simply a pure idea." He added, "This was meant only to spark further creative ideas, and by no means does it mean the government is pursuing such a policy."

Kang Junhyeon, chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party, also posted a notice, explaining, "Today’s Facebook post by Assemblyman Hwang regarding the Bus House and other short-term housing spaces was solely his personal opinion and in no way reflects the official party position."

Meanwhile, Assemblywoman Lee Unju commented on the government’s proposed real estate tax overhaul via her own Facebook post, saying, "In the current situation, where the supply of rental housing is insufficient, the policy effects are likely to differ from what is intended." She questioned, "It will likely increase both rental and purchase prices, undermining housing stability, so I wonder why such measures are even being pursued."

She also discussed luxury housing, saying, "There needs to be a more thorough explanation and review of whether simultaneously increasing both property holding and transaction taxes meets the policy goals of market stabilization and supply expansion." She emphasized, "A careful reassessment is needed for a balanced approach to holding and transaction taxes, and for maintaining and expanding rental housing supply in both the private and public sectors."

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