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IWSF – Ch 289

The date for the public debate was set.

Mayor Won Sang-hoon was in a very awkward position.

In reality, Kang Jin-hoo had nothing to lose, regardless of how the debate proceeded or what conclusion was reached. He was already being criticized, and if things went well, he would build the dormitory, and if things went wrong, it would just end with not building the dormitory.

However, Mayor Won Sang-hoon was different. Unless he planned to retire from politics after his term as mayor, he had to be mindful of public opinion trends, whether he won or lost.

If he won, he would lose student votes, and if he lost, he would lose resident votes.

‘I can’t believe he actually agreed to the debate.’

What conglomerate owner would ever appear in a public debate? That’s why he naturally expected a refusal, but Kang Jin-hoo agreed too easily.

In any case, they were the ones who proposed it, and since the ball was now in their court, they had no choice but to participate.

As he diligently prepared for the debate, Jang Hyun-joon, the floor leader of the New Politics Party, visited City Hall and said,

“It would be wise to be careful, Mayor. As you know, no one who has gotten entangled with Kang Jin-hoo has ended up in a good position.”

“……”

***

Before the debate, we exchanged light handshakes.

“Hello, Mayor.”

Mayor Won Sang-hoon grasped my hand, smiled, and said,

“Nice to meet you, CEO Kang. I’ve been wanting to meet you, and it’s here that we finally do. Let’s have a good debate together today.”

“Of course.”

His mouth was smiling, but his expression wasn’t very good. He patted my hand lightly as if to ask for his understanding.

The debate moderator was Song Seok-hoon, a famous news anchor. We sat facing each other with the moderator in between, and audience members surrounded us.

Cameras on all sides captured our appearance. It was being broadcast live on terrestrial channels as well as various video sites like A-tube, so people overseas could also watch. As interest grew, some sites even provided subtitles or simultaneous interpretation.

In my opinion, even holding a debate on this topic is a national embarrassment.

Moderator Song Seok-hoon first introduced the topic of the debate and the pros and cons, and then the debate began.

Mayor Won Sang-hoon spoke first.

“Before starting the debate, let me say that I am absolutely not opposed to dormitory construction. The dormitory issue is a very sensitive matter. So, I would like to say that we need to gather the opinions of local residents and adjust the timing and scale. I believe CEO Kang Jin-hoo will also agree on this point.”

I shook my head.

“No. I completely disagree. When building a dormitory, we should gather the opinions of students, why gather the opinions of residents?”

Mayor Won Sang-hoon was slightly taken aback but spoke calmly.

“In Seoul City administration, housing issues are very sensitive. With high population density and poor traffic conditions, it is difficult to immediately approve large-scale dormitory construction. Seoul City itself is also planning to expand youth housing support, but if sudden announcements cause confusion among residents, students, and administration, wouldn’t everyone suffer? Also, shouldn’t we consider the damage to landlords due to the dormitory supply?”

“Then, if someone says they’re going to open a restaurant that costs ₩5,000 next to a restaurant that costs ₩10,000 per person, should we then prevent the restaurant from opening, considering the damage to the existing merchants?”

“That’s not the same thing. But for a conglomerate group to open a buffet in the middle of a restaurant district and allow people to eat for free or for only ₩1,000, it’s the same as telling the restaurant owners to close down. Landlords are also citizens. There are people who make a living by renting out a building they own, and shouldn’t we also establish livelihood measures for them?”

I retorted to his words.

“University students are also citizens. Shouldn’t we establish housing measures for university students? A studio apartment building costs at least over ₩1 billion, which livelihood is more of a problem?”

Mayor Won Sang-hoon countered my words again.

“This issue requires sufficient discussion from a long-term perspective. Of course, there may be wealthy landlords, but aren’t there also people who would end up on the streets after repaying loans and returning security deposits?”

“University students are already on the streets. They are forced to live in cram schools or semi-basements with several people just to avoid becoming homeless.”

“So, that’s why I’m saying we should solve these issues through dialogue and communication. I would like to propose to CEO Kang Jin-hoo that we create a social consensus body related to this issue.”

What the heck is this now? Why do we need to create a social consensus body related to this issue?

“Isn’t it because dialogue and compromise didn’t work that the situation has come this far? Isn’t the reason why dormitories haven’t been built because every time we try to build a place for students to live using the tuition fees paid by students, we are met with opposition and can’t build? And now that I say I’m going to build it, you’re saying that’s not allowed either. It’s because there are universities that the rental business around them exists, it’s not that universities were established there because of the rental business, does it make sense to say we shouldn’t build dormitories for the sake of the profits of studio apartment owners?”

“It’s not that we’re saying don’t build. I myself went to university, and as the Mayor of Seoul, I have been carrying out various welfare activities for young people. By saving the leaking budget, I established a scholarship system for low-income university students, and through youth allowances and youth savings accounts, I am supporting young people to find jobs and build stable lives. Also, by creating a youth fund, we are helping our young people to challenge themselves in starting businesses……”

As his words became lengthy, the moderator intervened.

“Mayor. This is a place for debate about dormitories, so please refrain from irrelevant topics.”

“I understand. In any case, I have been carrying out city administration for young people, and I want to say that I also sympathize with the difficulties of young people regarding this dormitory issue.”

“You sympathize, but why are you preventing it from being built?”

“It’s not that I’m preventing it from being built, but I’m saying that we will proceed by first creating a social consensus body and achieving a national compromise.”

“……”

So, what the heck is he talking about? Is it just me who doesn’t understand?

“The problem is not the local residents who are opposing, but the politicians who are riding on that bandwagon, conscious of votes. Does it make sense to oppose dormitory construction just to gain votes in elections?”

As I openly criticized him, Mayor Won Sang-hoon said in an angry voice.

“Your words are harsh. Building permits are under the city’s authority. If it is unfair, there is also a way to resolve it through lawsuits.”

“I know that too. Currently, Hyunhong University and Cheongcheon University are in administrative litigation over the dormitory issue. But how many years do you think it will take for this process to be completed? Mayors, district heads, and local council members may not care what happens after they just pass their term, but what about the students who are currently wandering around cram schools and semi-basements?”

Moderator Song Seok-hoon said.

“Please calm down, both of you. Let’s pause the debate for a moment, and from now on, we will have a Q&A session with the audience.”

University students questioned Mayor Won Sang-hoon.

“I am Kim Pil-sung, a third-year student at Hyunhong University. This photo is of the studio apartment I currently live in. Due to condensation, black mold has bloomed all over one wall. Do you know how much the monthly rent is for a place like this? ₩5 million deposit and ₩600,000 including management fees. Another friend who was lucky enough to get into the dormitory lives in a better place than me for ₩300,000.”

“I am well aware of how difficult it is for our university students. I will ensure that those parts are resolved through dialogue and communication by gathering everyone’s opinions.”

“I am Min Ji-yeon, a first-year student at Seongrak University. The boiler doesn’t work properly, and the window lock is broken, and every time I ask the landlord to repair it, they ignore me because I’m a young student.”

“You’ve had such difficulties. We will discuss with the district office and community center and work to improve things.”

University students spoke about their housing difficulties and the necessity of dormitories, and Mayor Won Sang-hoon vaguely answered and glossed over them.

This time, it was my turn.

A middle-aged woman picked up the microphone and said.

“I am Kim Suk-ja from Seodaemun-gu. I am absolutely against the dormitory. My child is currently in elementary school, and there is an elementary school in front of the dormitory site. Wouldn’t it be a big problem for children’s safety if construction is carried out there to build a dormitory?”

I tilted my head.

“I’m not understanding your words very well, are you saying that if we construct there, there is a risk that children will get hurt?”

“Of course. Elementary school students pass by the area when going to and from school, how dangerous would it be? And there will be a lot of dust.”

“Then, even if I give up dormitory construction and want to build a cultural center and sports center on that site for local residents to use for free, we shouldn’t do construction because it could be a problem for the safety of children going to and from school?”

“Ah, no. That would be fine……”

Perhaps realizing that wasn’t working, a middle-aged woman next to her took the microphone.

“I am Cha So-hyun, Su-ae’s mom from Gangbuk-gu. My child is also an elementary school student, and if university students engage in PDA around the dormitory, it’s not good for education and it’s a bit unpleasant to see.”

“Elementary school students chattering noisily and walking around is also not good for university students’ education and a bit unpleasant to see.”

“Wha, what did you say?”

I said while looking through the data.

“Do you know how many motels are near that site? There are six within a 500-meter radius. If you are concerned that PDA will negatively affect elementary school students’ education, shouldn’t we shut down all the surrounding motels first? Surely you’re not saying motels are okay, but dormitories are not? Then, if I say I’m going to build a motel on this site, you won’t oppose it?”

“If students smoke cigarettes in front, what about our children’s health?”

I was dumbfounded. Anyone listening would think that you get lung cancer the moment you smell cigarette smoke on the street.

“Isn’t that area originally a university district? A studio apartment village has already been formed and students living there would have smoked cigarettes, have you been neglecting our children’s health all this time?”

“Th, that’s……”

“For the sake of children’s health, shouldn’t we demolish that studio apartment village entirely and chase the university students away to another place?”

I looked at Mayor Won Sang-hoon and said.

“What do you think, Mayor? A citizen is worried about children’s health, do you have any intention of demolishing all the studio apartments around the elementary school?”

“That’s too extreme of an opinion. We need to solve problems through dialogue and communication.”

“……”

That damn dialogue and communication. At this rate, they’ll want to create a social consensus body and seek national compromise on whether to put a pear or a persimmon on someone else’s ancestral rites table.

“I am Choi Mal-ja from Mapo-gu. Our residents are not against the dormitory itself. However, if you are going to build a dormitory, you should also invest in convenience facilities for the local residents, what are the residents supposed to be if you only say you’re going to build a dormitory and nothing else?”

The people sitting together nodded in agreement, as if they sympathized.

This is probably everyone’s true intention. They think that if they oppose for the sake of opposing, they might get something out of it.

I said decisively.

“To prevent you from having unnecessary expectations in the future, I will clearly state it here. If I don’t build the dormitory, I won’t build it, but I have no intention of giving any benefits to the relevant area.”

At my words, she got angry and shouted.

“What did you say? Are you telling residents to just bear with nuisance facilities? Then our women’s association will oppose to the end!”

I nodded.

“Yes. Oppose to the end.”

“……”

Moderator Song Seok-hoon said.

“One of the main points of contention in this debate is the housing rights of university students and the survival rights of landlords. Let’s hear the opinions of those who run rental businesses in the university district.”

Elderly people were sitting on one side. One of them, an old man, grabbed the microphone and said.

“I am Park Cheol-soo, running a rental business in front of Sehan University. And I am currently serving as the chairman of the ‘Seoul Studio Apartment Rental Business Association Committee’.”

How many organizations are there in South Korea?

The old man said in a booming voice.

“If a conglomerate builds something like a dormitory, isn’t it just telling old people like us who make a living by renting out rooms to die? For the sake of livelihood protection, the city should absolutely not allow dormitories!”

“So, you’re saying that building the building itself is not a problem, but using it as a dormitory to rent out cheaply to students is not allowed, is that what you mean?”

“That’s right.”

“Then, if I build a building and don’t rent it out, there would be no problem?”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Exactly as I said. If dormitories are not allowed, I will build a building on that site and then not rent it out to anyone until it becomes dilapidated and collapses on its own.”

“Wha, what?”

“I have no intention of selling this land. If dormitories are not allowed, I will build a building and leave it as it is, and if I am not allowed to build a building, I will leave it as a wasteland forever.”

The land bought to build the dormitory is prime real estate located near a university. What company would just let that land sit idle?

But I am rich, so I can do that. How much money would I even get if I sold it anyway? But if there is an unmanaged, collapsing building or vacant lot in the neighborhood, it would be very unsightly.

The old man’s face turned red, and he shouted.

“Where did this young punk learn to threaten people without any manners? Is that how your parents taught you?”

“……”

You shouldn’t touch family.

“We are currently live broadcasting. Please refrain from such remarks.”

The moderator intervened, but the old man continued to rage.

“When an elder speaks! How dare you be so disrespectful!”

I stared straight at the old man and calmly said.

“I don’t know how much your building is worth, elder, but I will buy it for ₩10 billion right now. Would that be okay with you?”

“Wha, wha, wha-ten billion?”

“Yes. ₩10 billion.”

The old man, whose eyes had widened, asked in a softened voice, as if he had never been angry,

“I, is that really true?”

I smiled and said.

“No. It was a joke to lighten the mood.”

At those words, the old man’s face turned bright red.

“This punk dares to make fun of an elder… Keo-eok!”

The old man suddenly clutched the back of his neck and collapsed.

Isn’t clutching the back of the neck and collapsing the signature performance of company presidents?

Other elderly people around him supported the old man and shouted.

“Are you alright?”

“Oh my! At this rate, someone will die!”

“Just because you have money, does that mean you can kill people?”

“Kill me too, you bastard!”

Just in case this kind of situation might happen, medical staff from Seosung Hospital’s emergency department were on standby. Doctors and nurses who rushed over quickly checked the collapsed old man’s blood pressure and pulse.

The doctor carefully examined the old man and then said.

“There’s nothing wrong with him. His blood pressure is a little high, but it’s within the normal range.”

Then the old man wailed and shouted.

“Aigo! I’m dying, I’m dying!”

Still, just in case, they immediately transported him to the hospital. Even while being carried away, the old man kept shouting.

“Kang Jin-hoo is killing people!”

Hearing his booming voice, I felt very relieved.

While the venue was being tidied up for a moment, the audience suddenly began to buzz. Everyone was looking at their phones and whispering about something.

A staff member quickly delivered materials, and moderator Song Seok-hoon looked at the materials and said.

“Wait a minute. Breaking news has just come in, OTK Company has announced the establishment of the Homin Foundation and basic science support measures.”

I nodded.

“Yes. We plan to create a fund of ₩1 trillion and invest it in the basic science field in Korea. We plan to support basic science research and experiments, as well as the establishment of centers and scholarships for students in related departments.”

It is common for companies to support university research and experiments. Usually, it’s to obtain necessary data or to achieve results.

However, we plan to invest ₩1 trillion solely for the development of basic science without any compensation. This was the largest amount of private science support.

Moderator Song Seok-hoon said.

“It’s a good thing, but is there a reason why you announced this during the debate?”

“Yes. There is. If a building permit for even one of the dormitory candidate sites in Seoul is not issued within a week, I am here to say that the ₩1 trillion support plan will be completely withdrawn.”

At my words, Mayor Won Sang-hoon was startled.

“Wa, wait a minute. What are you talking about? What does that have to do with the dormitory?”

I asked him back.

“Why isn’t it related? Shouldn’t we solve the housing problem first before studying, researching, and experimenting? In a situation where housing isn’t even solved, why would you push students to develop basic science? Mayor, you have always said that the country develops when science develops, and you have expressed your ambition to foster Seoul as a cutting-edge science city. Now, ₩1 trillion of basic science support is in your hands. What are you going to do?”

“……”

Mayor Won Sang-hoon couldn’t say anything and was just sweating profusely.

Nothing much , just a guy doing his best to make everyone happy. If you've liked my translation, leave a comment ❤️

Comment

  1. Cwrj8 says:

    Honestly why doesn’t he just allow the building owners to invest in the dorms. He’s not doing it for money so income would go to them after maintenance cost. Also some people would still want their own place and not live in the dorms so while they may have to lower their prices they may make even more than they do now.

  2. jungwoo says:

    thanks ❤

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