Blue House Denies Further Easing of Real Estate Tax: “Misrepresented… Government Plan Fully Reflects Party Consultations”

Ha Joonkyung, Blue House Economic Growth Chief, Appears on Radio on the 4th

Cho Kuk Criticizes, Saying "Tax Reform Protects the Top 1%"

Ha Responds, "Fundamental Intent Not Compromised... Preference for Primary Residence Maintained"

The Blue House dismissed forecasts of "additional easing in real estate taxation" on the 4th, calling them "misrepresentations." The government explained that its revision to the tax reform plan "did not undermine the basic policy intention."

Ha Joon-kyung, Chief Presidential Secretary for Economic Growth, appeared on SBS's Kim Taehyun's Political Show on the 4th and, in response to the question, "Is the government considering further easing of real estate taxes?" stated, "I believe something has been misrepresented." He explained, "During the period when the bill was publicly announced, there were discussions with the ruling party as various opinions were gathered." He added, "The revised tax reform plan we announced reflects all the outcomes of those discussions with the party." When asked again if there would be any further easing, Ha said, "I can't say definitively, as this is the prerogative of the National Assembly," but clarified, "At least between the ruling party and the government, this is the extent of it."

Econonmic Growth Chief Ha Joon-kyung is attending the first Eulji Cabinet Meeting hosted by President Lee Jae-myung at the Blue House on August 18, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

Regarding criticism of the government's tax reform plan, he argued that "the voices of the people were incorporated as long as they did not undermine the basic policy purpose." Previously, former Cho Kuk Innovation Party leader Cho Kuk criticized the government for retracting its plan to increase tax burdens on non-resident single homeowners, claiming, "What this decision protects is the interests of the top 1%." In response, Ha said, "In fact, the comprehensive real estate tax burden for non-resident single homeowners will be eased, but there will still be a certain distinction between owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied properties," emphasizing, "The basic policy of favoring primary residence will continue to be upheld."

Meanwhile, Ha also addressed the idea of using the Yongsan Park site for housing supply, noting, "There is a large piece of land in the very heart of Seoul, even bigger than Yeouido," and suggested, "We should take a moment to consider what use would best serve future generations." He continued, "There are vacant houses next to the site where U.S. troops used to live, and they are deteriorating," adding, "We need to discuss whether it is better to leave these empty houses to future generations or to create residential spaces that young people can use."

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