Seoul:President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday emphasized the necessity of expediting administrative procedures for constructing homes to enhance housing supply. This call to action was made during a Cabinet meeting as housing prices continue to escalate despite government interventions.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee underscored the importance of stable housing as a cornerstone for improving citizens' lives. He attributed disruptions in housing supply to a decline in construction permits and new land availability for real estate development over the last three years. To address these issues, he advocated for swift implementation of consistent market management policies and large-scale housing supply initiatives.
President Lee instructed officials to prioritize boosting housing supply by reducing the time required for land development preparation and expediting administrative permits for housing construction. He urged that these efforts be made without being hindered by traditional practices and procedures, emphasizing that administrative success hinges on stabilizing the housing market.
In addition to housing, President Lee called for a comprehensive overhaul of public safety functions, including policing, firefighting, and disaster prevention. He stressed the need for thorough protection measures for both the public and those working in these fields, and instructed officials to conduct safety checks on facilities that attract large crowds, as well as on bridges and other key public structures.
Furthermore, President Lee addressed the Serious Crime Investigation Agency (SCIA), focusing on the importance of maintaining impartiality in investigating crimes that affect people's lives, such as corruption and financial offenses. He directed these instructions to Kim Ji-yong, the inaugural SCIA chief, urging prompt and stern action to alleviate public concerns over prosecution reform and uphold fair social order. The SCIA was established earlier this month as part of the Lee administration's initiative to reform the prosecution system by removing its investigative authority.