Kim Yong-beom: Gov't eyes long-term rentals for young, broader jeonse and monthly rent measures

Kim Yong-beom, presidential chief of staff for policy at Cheong Wa Dae, said Monday the government is considering not only expanding long-term rental housing tailored to younger generations but also broader measures addressing jeonse and monthly rent as part of its real estate supply response.

Speaking on YTN Radio's "Lee Dong-hyung's News Face-Off" Monday afternoon, Kim said "we need to draw up even more drastic measures on the supply side." He added that while the housing crunch stems partly from reduced construction in 2024 and 2025 — a situation he described with the phrase "just build, no excuses" — the government cannot dwell on past shortfalls and must draw up fresh construction plans.

Kim said the government must make a determined effort to create additional housing options beyond the existing third-generation new towns and the 60,000 units announced previously, for those seeking to apply for new homes through the apartment subscription system. "We also need to provide long-term rental housing that matches the preferences of younger generations," he said.

Kim signaled further supply measures were in the pipeline, saying the government is taking a fresh, layered look at steps to help those struggling with jeonse and monthly rent — including measures to allow the Korea Land and Housing Corp. to significantly expand its purchase-and-lease supply.

Kim also shed light Monday on why the Gwangju military airbase was chosen as the site for a Honam region semiconductor industrial complex.

"Companies unanimously recommended that location as their top preference," he said, adding that the key question is whether training operations currently conducted at the existing airbase can be dispersed to other Air Force bases.

Kim said that if the government quickly works out a dispersal plan with the Air Force, the site could be made available without waiting for a new airport to be built in Muan. "The government needs to consult with the Air Force and draw up a dispersal plan," he said.