'Mixed-Gender Co-habiting' Harms Others? Controversy Over Vague Regulations Leads to Action

For our final story today, it looks like we are covering an issue wrapped in controversy.

Phrasing found in a lease guide for youth purchased rental housing issued by Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation (SH) recently sparked controversy.

The guide explicitly listed actions that cause harm to communal living, such as "socially disruptive behavior including mixed-gender co-habiting," alongside loud shouting and noise, stating that contract renewals could be denied if these behaviors persisted.

However, a tenant filed a civil complaint, questioning whether this effectively banned men and women from staying together altogether.

The tenant argued that the wording could be interpreted as restricting family members, friends, or romantic partners from visiting or staying temporarily, and demanded that the expression be made clearer.

In response, SH stated that after internal review, it has removed the phrase starting from the first public recruitment notice for youth purchased rental housing in 2026.

However, SH explained that since single-person occupancy is the principle for winners, contract renewals could still be denied if unauthorized individuals effectively reside there and cause inconvenience to other residents.

(Photo Source: Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.