Rep. Hwang Hee of the Democratic Party of Korea, who had proposed the "bus house" idea of converting retired buses into short-term housing for young people, bowed his head on the 10th, saying he "failed to fully grasp the gravity of the housing problems young people face on the ground." It came three days after he posted the proposal.
Hwang initially planned to offer an explanation at a press briefing that afternoon, but as criticism continued within the ruling bloc, he canceled the event and issued a formal apology.
That morning, Hwang wrote on his Facebook page, "Contrary to my intention, I caused great concern and disappointment to the young generation and the public," adding, "I sincerely apologize to the young generation and the public for the 'bus house' proposal."
He explained, "The proposal started as an idea aimed at supplementing the time lag in government-led supply of dwellings and at least slightly easing the severe temporary housing cost burden on low-income young people in the short term."
He went on, "I failed to fully gauge the seriousness of the housing problems young people face on the ground," adding, "I feel a heavy responsibility for not carefully considering the hearts of young people who are the parties directly affected by housing, and for causing hurt and disappointment."
On the 7th, Hwang presented the "bus house" program—converting buses slated for disposal into short-term housing for young people in college areas—as a measure for youth housing.
But as criticism spread, especially among young people, he deleted the post and explained, "It was merely a pure idea, and it is even less the case that the government is pushing it as policy."
However, as the controversy showed little sign of abating and voices of criticism and regret emerged within the ruling bloc, Hwang canceled the press briefing he had planned for that afternoon. It is seen as taking into account criticism inside and outside the party.
Earlier, Democratic Party lawmaker Park Ji-won appeared on a radio program on the morning of the 10th and issued a strong rebuke, saying, "It provoked young people and students," and "Just shut up and apologize."
Han Jeong-ae, the party's policy committee chair, also said at a press briefing on the 9th, "It was an episode that came out in the spirit of brainstorming various ideas," adding, "We are truly sorry and apologetic for unintentionally hurting young people."