On the 7th, the People Power Party strongly criticized Democratic Party of Korea Representative Hwang Hee for suggesting converting retired buses into temporary housing for young people, labeling it a “historic mistake” and asking, “Why don’t you move in first?” The Democratic Party distanced itself, saying, “This is an individual view that has no connection to the party’s position.”
Leader of the People Power Party, Jang Dong-hyeok, posted on Facebook that day, “Why not have the president, ministers, senior officials from Cheong Wa Dae, and lawmakers from the Democratic Party experience living in these ‘bus houses’ as a trial?” He further stated, “Rather than generating job opportunities for young people, you’re advising them to reside in ‘repaired buses,’” which he described as a “disgrace to young people already facing difficulties.”
Kim Eun-hye, a member of the party, also criticized it as a “historic mistake.” She said, “The president who called citizens speculators and sold his own house using loopholes, and the policy chief who cut youth rental budgets but gave deposits for his own children—now you’re telling young people to live in buses? If it’s so great, the Democratic Party should reside there for generations.”
Park Choong-kwon, a senior representative, stated, “Not creating an effective housing supply system and then making these comments is a clear disrespect to the younger generation,” calling for an immediate retraction and apology. Representative Joo Jin-woo remarked, “Suggesting this shows the Democratic Party’s real estate policy has completely collapsed,” and commented, “Rather than offering apologies and replacing those at fault, this is yet another mistake.”
Rep. Hwang later shared on Facebook, “Let’s convert retired buses into temporary housing for students in the university area,” but removed it following backlash from young individuals who responded, “Try living there yourself first.” He clarified that it was “just a theoretical concept,” but took down the post as the debate intensified. He then re-uploaded, stating, “I suggest ‘residential-educational complex development’ as a solution for housing needs.”
Senior Democratic Party spokesperson Kang Jun-hyeon stated again, “This is the lawmaker’s individual view, completely separate from the party’s position.”
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