President Lee says comprehensive farmland probe 'absolutely necessary' to curb speculation

President Lee Jae Myung said Wednesday (local time) that a comprehensive nationwide farmland survey is "absolutely necessary" to prevent speculation and ensure proper use of agricultural land, speaking in New York where he is attending the UN General Assembly.

Lee made the remarks on X, formerly Twitter, reaffirming his intention to proceed as planned with the survey, which is designed to crack down on farmland speculation. "The principle of land to the tiller, and the government's efforts to uphold it, are a constitutional mandate — an order from the people," he said.

Addressing pushback from opposition circles and others, Lee said, "Every government has avoided this because of resistance and backlash, but I will not avoid it."

He said the law — enacted by the people and the National Assembly — requires the forced sale of farmland purchased under a declaration of intent to farm but left idle or illegally leased while the owner waits for land prices to rise. "If it is a law that will not be enforced, it should either not have been made or should be abolished," he added.

"I believe the people made me president to change a broken system where those who cleverly skirt the law profit handsomely from farmland speculation while those who follow the law are left at a relative disadvantage — to carry out real estate reform," Lee said.

However, he said the survey is not intended to force blanket disposals of land held by elderly farmers or land inherited through family succession.

"Cases where someone farmed but can no longer do so due to old age, or farmland received through inheritance, are not subject to the measure," Lee said, drawing a clear distinction from speculative holdings.

He said those engaged in farmland speculation often spread misinformation to rally non-targeted landowners to their side in an effort to derail sanctions against themselves and undermine the government's efforts.

"As approval ratings fall, it becomes increasingly difficult to push through reforms," Lee said. "Even as obstacles mount and resistance grows, we must do what needs to be done. I trust the vast majority of good, decent citizens."

Lee also asked Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Minister Song Mi-ryeong to "explain things clearly so there are no misunderstandings," and thanked her for keeping chuseok prices in check and working diligently on agricultural, livestock and fisheries administration.