Oh Sehoon Says "Lifting Redevelopment Designations for 430,000 Units During Park Won Soon Era Fueled Housing Shortage" (Comprehensive)

Oh Sehoon Holds Seoul Housing Policy Briefing
"Appalled by President's Contrived Claims" – Responds Head-On

On September 21, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated, "When I took office five years ago, redevelopment projects in Seoul had come to a standstill," and criticized the housing policies during former Mayor Park Won-soon's administration, noting, "A total of 389 sites were canceled between 2012 and 2020, which amounts to 430,000 housing units." He made these remarks in public rebuttal to President Lee Jaemyung’s comments during his press conference on September 18, in which Lee said, "Since 2022, when the Yoon Suk-yeol administration took office and Mayor Oh was elected, the number of housing permits and construction starts has been halved."

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is presenting the achievements of housing policies, including redevelopment projects and public housing, at the 'Seoul Housing Policy Achievement Sharing Meeting' held at Seoul City Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 21st, urging the central government to ease excessive real estate policy regulations. 2026.9.21. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

That morning, at the "Seoul Housing Policy Performance Briefing," Mayor Oh said, "Over the past five years, in order to accelerate redevelopment projects, we have made efforts such as dispatching coordinators to associations experiencing conflicts," and added, "Had such efforts been made during Mayor Park Won-soon's tenure, the progress on all 430,000 housing units under redevelopment could have been completed."

He continued, "At that time, Seoul City was busy canceling redevelopment projects if 30 percent of residents objected," and pointed out, "If you look at the methods used to cancel redevelopment projects during Mayor Park’s term, the city employed subtle tactics to make it look as if the associations voluntarily withdrew. Instead of helping to advance the projects, the administration fostered conflict."

Mayor Oh further stated, "In addition, restrictions such as the 35-story residential height limit, the increase of the structural safety regulation to 50 percent, and the requirement to strengthen resident consent three times—all introduced during Mayor Park's administration—caused stagnation in many complexes, including the Seongsu redevelopment district. These moves were an atrocity of government policy."

He said, "No matter how many times I explain, I am appalled when I hear the President making unreasonable claims at a press conference," and added, "From now on, I will not hold back just for the sake of appearances. It is necessary to clarify where the responsibility lies."

He continued, "After seeing a press conference in which the government consistently maintained there was nothing wrong with its existing policies—even at a time when it should be investigating the causes and consequences of rising apartment prices in Seoul's outskirts and proposing alternatives—I cannot imagine how many citizens must have felt disappointment and pain. All the more reason for Seoul City to work harder and make every effort to supply housing."

Meanwhile, Mayor Oh maintained his opposition to delegating the authority over redevelopment projects involving fewer than 500 units to district governments, a plan currently being promoted by the ruling party, citing concerns that this could undermine the principles of urban planning. He expressed concern, saying, "The processing period undertaken by Seoul City accounts for only 2.7 percent of the total redevelopment project schedule, and there are as many as 17 district offices with no personnel experienced in project review work."

Additionally, regarding housing conditions for young adults new to the workforce and newlyweds, he stated, "We will continue to expand to a cumulative total of 74,000 housing units in areas near subway stations and areas close to workplaces, with various types of housing tailored to life stage and income levels." He added, "Our goal is to build a 'Seoul-style housing ladder,' in which reductions in housing costs will directly lead to home ownership."

Regarding controversy over the high deposit requirements for the long-term rental housing program for newlyweds, "Mirinae Jip," he stated, "With the recent rise in housing and rental prices, concerns over deposit burdens have grown. We plan to listen to feedback from the field and consider the necessary supplementary measures."

Mayor Oh also reaffirmed the city’s existing position that Yongsan Park and greenbelt areas must be preserved as green spaces for future generations. He explained that the Tancheon Water Reclamation Center project is different in nature, as it does not damage new green areas but rather utilizes existing urban infrastructure to jointly develop housing, parks, and industrial facilities.

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