Lee Jae-myung's Lawyer Vetted for LH Chief: 'Lawyer Kingdom' Controversy Brews

The potential appointment of Lee Heon-wook, a lawyer, as the next president of the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) is drawing criticism, with some suggesting the Lee Jae-myung administration is building a 'Lawyer Kingdom.' This echoes past controversies during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration regarding an over-representation of prosecutors in key positions. According to political sources on November 11th, rumors are spreading that Lee Heon-wook, former head of Gyeonggi Housing & Urban Corporation (GH), has been designated as the new LH president. The presidential office recently accepted the resignation of former LH President Lee Han-joon. Lee Heon-wook is known to be a close associate of President Lee Jae-myung, leading to speculation about the motivations behind the possible appointment. Concerns are being raised that President Lee Jae-myung may be favoring lawyers over figures with prosecutorial backgrounds. Given that LH is a key agency driving the Lee Jae-myung administration's real estate policies, the selection of its president is attracting significant attention from political circles and the related industry. These criticisms parallel the 'Prosecutor Kingdom' controversy that arose during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, when numerous prosecutors were appointed to prominent government positions. At the time, legal experts and civic groups argued that an over-reliance on prosecutors could undermine checks and balances on power. With similar criticisms now being leveled against the Lee Jae-myung administration, a debate over future personnel policy directions is expected. Lee Heon-wook previously worked for MINBYUN-Lawyers for a Democratic Society, providing legal representation for socially vulnerable groups.

During his tenure as GH president, he was praised for expanding the supply of rental housing and improving living environments. Lee Heon-wook is reported to have cultivated a relationship with Lee Jae-myung since his time as mayor of Seongnam. However, some point out Lee Heon-wook's lack of specialized expertise in real estate development. Considering LH's role in various projects, from land acquisition to housing construction and urban development, some argue that a person with expertise should be appointed as president. Given LH's scale and complexity, a person with both management skills and specialized knowledge is needed. In response, the presidential office stated, "No decision has been made regarding the LH president appointment," and that "various candidates are being considered." The presidential office emphasized its commitment to carefully considering candidates and appointing the most qualified person to lead LH's future development. A political source stated, "The LH president appointment is more than just selecting an agency head; it is an important measure of the Lee Jae-myung administration's personnel style and policy direction." This appointment could directly impact the credibility of the government's major policy initiatives. LH is reportedly conducting final reviews of several candidates in addition to Lee Heon-wook. The final candidate is expected to be announced soon. LH plans to quickly finalize the selection of its new president and focus on expanding the housing supply and stabilizing housing for working-class citizens.