Oh Se-hoon, the Seoul mayor, attended a Cabinet meeting for the first time since winning the June 3 local elections but did not get a chance to speak.
On the 14th, during the Cabinet meeting, Oh said, "May I say a word," as ministries discussed pending issues related to the government's real estate market policy.
At the meeting, relevant ministries, including Minister Kim Yun-duk of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Koo Yun-cheol of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and Chairperson Lee Eog-weon of the Financial Services Commission, reported on real estate-related issues.
Afterward, Oh sought to present Seoul City's policy proposals immediately following the ministries' reports.
However, Prime Minister Han Seong-sook said, "There is a schedule for nationwide town hall meetings by ministry starting on the 14th," adding, "Since there will be town halls, it would be better to refer the discussion there."
Han added, "What the mayor wishes to provide will be received in writing instead of as oral remarks. We will accept this as originally drafted."
Oh responded, "Just now, Seoul City's prepared report was delivered in advance to the policy chief and the deputy prime minister," and added, "Since it seems I will not be given a chance to speak today, I will substitute with the report's contents."
President Lee Jae-myung then said, "If you are submitting a report, please also include a status update on how Seoul City's reconstruction and redevelopment are progressing." Lee continued, "In general, people say Seoul's supply volume is far short, so please add to the report the specific causes and current status of why supply is being delayed and not proceeding, and submit it."
Oh answered, "That content is included in the report."
Oh was given a chance to speak before the closed-door portion of the Cabinet meeting. Lee said, "It's been a while since you came. Please offer a very brief greeting," granting him the floor.
Oh said, "It's been a while since I entered a Cabinet meeting," adding, "I will do my best for the development of Seoul, the capital of the Republic of Korea, and to improve the quality of life for Seoul citizens. I would be truly grateful for much support from the relevant ministries."
He continued, "What is a bit regrettable today is that, although several meetings on measures related to real estate have been prepared, regardless of that, I really wanted to speak at the Cabinet meeting, with the Commissioners present, about Seoul City's dwellings administration up to now."
Lee then said, "Let's talk about that later."
Oh said, "Let me stress this once again," adding, "There are quite a few somewhat uncomfortable points in the report I prepared."
He added, "Since it was prepared as discussion material, I hope you will read it thoroughly so that a range of views can be adopted in a balanced way."
Meanwhile, since winning a fifth term last month, Oh has continued to request a meeting with Lee regarding real estate policy.