Participants raise their hands to ask South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (C) questions during the National Grand Debate on Real Estate Policy in Seoul, South Korea, 23 July 2026. The forum, broadcast live by KBS, brought together members of the public, experts and government officials to discuss housing supply, lending regulations and possible reforms to property ownership and transaction taxes amid rising home prices. Photo by YONHAP / EPA
July 23 (Asia Today) -- Cheong Wa Dae has launched an intensive effort to defend President Lee Jae Myung's sale of his apartment in Bundang as criticism mounts over the unusual financing arrangement.
Officials are concerned that accusations Lee circumvented housing regulations could undermine public confidence in the government's real estate policies.
Critics have argued that the president helped a buyer finance an expensive apartment while his administration has made it more difficult for ordinary people to obtain mortgages.
The dispute comes ahead of Thursday's national debate on housing policy and planned changes to the government's real estate measures. Officials appear concerned that the president's personal transaction could weaken momentum for the policy overhaul.
