Rep. Chun Ha-ram of the New Reform Party stated today (October 29) that the Office of the President answered his inquiry regarding the presidential residence in Hannam-dong by stating, "Currently, President Lee Jae-myung, the First Lady, and their second son are residing at the residence."

Chun, a member of the National Assembly House Steering Committee, explained that the Office of the President provided this response in a document after he submitted an inquiry asking, "Which members of the president's family are living in the presidential residence?"

In the document, when asked whether facilities installed during the Yoon Suk Yeol administration—such as a "sauna, screen golf simulator, and dressing room"—were retained at the Hannam-dong residence, the Office of the President explained, "There are some facilities in the Hannam-dong residence area that were installed by the previous administration."

However, it added, "Detailed matters concern national security and organizational management, and disclosing them could disrupt the smooth administration of state affairs, making it difficult to submit related materials."

Regarding future plans for utilizing the Hannam-dong residence, it stated, "Nothing has been reviewed or decided," adding, "The presidential office plans to consult with relevant ministries so that the state-owned property under its jurisdiction can be utilized efficiently after the move into the Cheong Wa Dae residence is complete."

In response to a question asking why President Lee's relocation to the Cheong Wa Dae residence has been delayed, it stated, "An inspection of the Cheong Wa Dae residence following the launch of the new administration confirmed severe deterioration due to damage sustained while being opened to the public and more than three years of neglect," adding, "Environmental improvements on Cheong Wa Dae's auxiliary facilities began in April this year and are currently in the final stages."

It continued, "While a specific moving schedule to the Cheong Wa Dae residence has not yet been finalized, preparations are underway to make moving in possible within this year following trial operations of the building and moving preparations."

Chun criticized, "Young people today are in a situation where they can barely secure a jeonse (lump-sum deposit) rental home, let alone buy their own house, because of the housing ladder broken by President Lee," adding, "Can our young people truly accept that he is letting his own son live in the Hannam-dong residence through 'dad chance' (parental privilege)?"
 
(Photo: Yonhap News)