On SBS’ News Briefing, Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok defended the effectiveness of the “1,000 KRW (approximately $0.75) housing” policy and voiced confidence in the city’s competitiveness heading into the general election.
In a March 23 interview, Yoo said providing housing to newlyweds for about 1,000 KRW per day (approximately $0.75)—roughly 30,000 KRW per month (approximately $22.50)—is feasible. He noted the city supplied 1,000 units last year and is supplying additional units this year.
He added that an annual budget of roughly 3.6 billion KRW (approximately $2,700,000) would cover 1,000 units. Yoo explained the program pairs rental housing from the Incheon Urban Corporation with private jeonse (long-term lease) arrangements and that the city subsidizes the rent.
Yoo said the policy has attracted attention as a model for other local governments and called it a practical solution to the housing barriers that deter marriage and childbirth. He pointed to a more-than-10% year-on-year increase in births in Incheon last year as evidence of the policy’s local impact.
Regarding his uncontested nomination as the People Power Party’s Incheon mayoral candidate, Yoo said the decision reflects recognition of his competitiveness in past elections and said he feels a heavy responsibility to prove that in the general election. He acknowledged that variables such as party approval ratings matter but emphasized that voters ultimately judge candidates on their character, policies, and results — and on whether a candidate can improve their lives.
On Incheon’s growth, Yoo noted the city’s population has surpassed 3.05 million and that, including the economically active population, it reaches about 3.15 million. He said Incheon is the only major South Korean city with a growing population and predicted it will surpass Busan to become the country’s second-largest city within three years, arguing that the local economy is already ahead.
Describing Incheon’s future, Yoo said the city is moving beyond its historic port-city image toward a creative, future-oriented metropolis. He said Incheon will be a key driver of South Korea’s growth centered on Incheon International Airport and the free economic zone, and that the city is correcting its urban structure through infrastructure projects such as upgrades to the Gyeongin Expressway and rail line undergrounding.
On potential competition with Democratic Party lawmaker Park Chan-dae, Yoo said citizens will choose the person who can improve their lives and emphasized his advantage as a candidate proven by administrative experience and tangible results.
Addressing internal party nomination conflicts, he acknowledged that friction during the nomination process is inevitable but said the party needs unity and reform that meet public expectations. Yoo said he is discussing improvements with party leadership and expects visible changes soon.
“Elections are about reality, not emotion,” Yoo said, adding that voters will ultimately judge how much a candidate can improve citizens’ lives. He pledged to keep Incheon’s growth on track.
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