President Lee Jae Myung’s increased use of social media to discuss housing policy has sparked a growing political confrontation. His warnings about ending tax exemptions for multiple homeowners have pushed housing reform into the national spotlight.
Since his New Year press conference on January 23, Lee has relied heavily on his official social media accounts. He has posted eleven times on housing policy within one week, signaling urgency and policy intent.
Lee has repeatedly stressed his commitment to ending capital gains tax waivers for multi-homeowners. Those exemptions began in May 2022 under the previous administration and continued through annual extensions.
According to Lee, restoring the taxes would discourage speculation and stabilize housing prices across major cities. He has also promoted public housing expansion as a necessary supply-side solution.
In several posts, Lee directly challenged media criticism and opposition skepticism about stricter real estate regulations. He argued that delaying reform would only deepen inequality and market instability.
The main opposition People Power Party strongly criticized Lee’s messaging strategy. Party leaders accused the president of pressuring homeowners and unsettling markets through social media posts.
Floor leader Song Eon-seog warned that presidents should guide markets through laws, institutions, and clear policy road maps. He argued that short online messages cannot explain complex housing strategies responsibly.
Song also questioned whether Lee had adopted a social media governance style similar to foreign leaders. He cited recent examples of policy announcements delivered directly through online platforms.
Party chair Jang Dong-hyeok echoed those concerns during a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly. He accused Lee of escalating political tensions through confrontational online language.
Lee quickly responded, accusing the opposition of protecting speculative real estate interests. He argued that resisting reform prolongs housing instability and undermines public trust.
The ruling Democratic Party defended the president’s communication strategy as transparent and legitimate. Party spokesperson Bak Seung-a said social media complements, rather than replaces, formal policymaking procedures.
Bak emphasized that ministries continue to develop policies through consultations, legal revisions, and institutional coordination. She argued that direct communication builds trust rather than confusion.
During a closed-door leadership meeting, party officials instructed policy teams to align detailed measures with Lee’s public messages. They stressed swift implementation to reinforce credibility.
Political analysts say the dispute reflects broader tensions over digital leadership and market sensitivity. They warn that housing policy requires clarity, consistency, and careful execution.
However, analysts also note that direct communication can strengthen public engagement when supported by concrete plans. The coming months will test whether Lee can balance messaging with measurable outcomes.
