President Lee on Farmland Survey: "Aimed at Weeding Out Clear Real Estate Speculation"

President Lee Jae-myung said today (September 18) that criticisms from the conservative opposition regarding the government's comprehensive survey of farmland are based on misunderstandings, remarking, "Opponents of reform hold great power."

President Lee made the statement during a press conference held at Cheong Wa Dae on the day, saying, "I know people are cursing at me immensely over this issue."

President Lee explained, "(Critics) protest, asking, 'My father stopped farming because it became too difficult, so are you telling us to sell by force?' But that is not true. Rather, we would help by purchasing it, not make it subject to sanctions."

He repeatedly emphasized that it should not be interpreted as sanctions against fallow land, adding, "What the government is doing is identifying clear real estate speculation and conducting a baseline survey to understand the condition of farmland."

President Lee particularly noted, "However, real estate speculators are spreading propaganda to rally people to their side, saying, 'You don't farm either, right? You will also be forced to sell.'"

He added, "When they claim, 'If you can't farm, Lee Jae-myung will take away (your land),' people end up misunderstanding. Even so, it is difficult for the government to explain individually that this is not true."

President Lee elaborated, "Those who face disadvantages (during system reforms) agitate those around them like organized concrete to protect what is theirs. I understand that as well. It is natural."

He also analyzed, "(When carrying out reforms,) you gain allies, but opponents also emerge, and the power of the opponents is more than ten times stronger than that of the allies. This is why the momentum for reform gradually weakens."

Nevertheless, President Lee said, "I will do what needs to be done," adding, "I did not become president to enjoy authority or prestige, or because I liked the position. I did it because I wanted to work."

He continued, "Focusing on work and results made me painfully realize that not being meticulous throughout the process was a very big problem. Someday, I must properly explain my sincerity to the public."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.