"First Day on the Job" Nominee for Land Minister Hong Ji-sun Says, "I Will Consult with Seoul... Consistent Policy Is Needed"

[Financial News] Hong Ji-sun, who has been nominated as the second Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in the Lee Jae-myung administration, said she would hold consultations with the Seoul Metropolitan Government amid ongoing tensions.
Speaking to reporters on her way to work at the Government Complex Sejong on the 31st, Hong said of the dispute with the Seoul Metropolitan Government over Yongsan Park and the greenbelt issue, "Rapid housing supply is more important than anything else." She added, "The central government will reflect policy measures and work through sufficient advance consultations with the Seoul Metropolitan Government so that policies can function on the ground."
She also said, "We will quickly supply high-quality housing in preferred locations and pay close attention to housing stability for young people and newlyweds." She added, "I believe I have been given a heavy responsibility at a difficult time. We will support mega projects to promote Balanced National Development and narrow the transportation infrastructure gap between regions, while strengthening the foundation for region-led growth through expanded transport infrastructure."
Hong also said she would exercise careful oversight to prevent a recurrence of recent safety accidents at construction sites and elsewhere.
When asked by reporters after her nomination whether she had communicated with President Lee Jae-myung, she replied, "I have not received any particular contact personally."
Asked about instability in the housing market in the Capital Region and falling government approval ratings, Hong stressed, "Housing policy is one that has a major impact on people's daily lives and market expectations." She added, "We will swiftly carry out the housing supply announced by the government, and we will speed up efforts to make it an execution-oriented policy that moves from groundbreaking to occupancy on the ground."
On the timing of the announcement of the fifth rail network plan, she explained, "BC and HP analyses are being conducted to a certain extent," adding, "We are in consultations with the fiscal authorities, and we expect to inform residents through public hearings around September to October and make a decision through an official notice around November."
Hong was nominated by President Lee the previous day and became the candidate for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in the second phase of the Lee Jae-myung administration. Born in Donghae, Gangwon Province, Hong entered public service after passing the second local civil service exam in 1996. Having built expertise in urban development, housing, roads, railways, and construction in Gyeonggi Province, she previously worked closely with Lee while he served as governor of Gyeonggi Province, taking on roles such as director of the Rail, Port and Logistics Bureau and director of the Urban Housing Bureau. She was appointed second vice minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in December last year. The industry has assessed that she brings long-standing experience in the Capital Region and strong on-the-ground capabilities.

[email protected] Jeong Gyeong-su Reporter