Hwang Hee Issues Deep Apology Over 'Bus House' Controversy

▲ Representative Hwang Hee of the Democratic Party

Representative Hwang Hee of the Democratic Party, who sparked controversy by proposing a so-called "bus house" concept that remodels retired buses into living spaces as a measure to expand housing supply for young people, offered a sincere apology today, August 10.

In a social media post today, Representative Hwang stated, "I bow my head and offer my deepest apologies for causing great concern and disappointment to the younger generation and the public, contrary to my original intentions."

Hwang explained, "The proposal stemmed from an idea born out of concern to bridge the time gap in government-led housing supply and to even slightly alleviate the severe short-term temporary housing cost burdens faced by low-income youths." He added, "Regardless of the reasons, I failed to deeply grasp the severity of the housing problems young people face in reality."

He further noted, "I feel a heavy sense of responsibility for failing to carefully consider the hearts of young people who are the very parties concerned with housing, thereby causing them pain and disappointment." He added, "Taking this incident as an opportunity, I will listen more closely to the realistic voices of young people and devote all my efforts to preparing more practical and sophisticated housing innovation measures."

Previously on August 7, Representative Hwang mentioned the case of remodeled abandoned and secondhand ships in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and proposed a bus house-style design that adapts ships into buses tailored to domestic conditions.

In response, the People Power Party launched a fierce offensive, asking, "Is this a measure for young people who are the future of the nation?" and demanding, "Representative Hwang and his family should lead by example by immediately moving in as the 'first residents of the bus house.'"

As the controversy grew, Democratic Party Policy Committee Chair Han Jeung-ae even stated during a press conference the previous day, "A situation arose where young people were unexpectedly hurt in the process, and for that part, I am truly sorry and apologetic."

(Photo: Yonhap News)

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