Hong Jee-sun, the new Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, made field-focused and practical housing policy the central theme of her inaugural address on September 23. Speaking at the Government Complex Sejong in Dodam-dong, Sejong City, she said housing supply must result in construction and occupancy rather than remain limited to plans and numerical targets. Hong said she would personally oversee faster progress on Third-phase new cities and urban housing projects, using an integrated review system and fast-track permitting process supported by a multi-layered consultative body with the metropolitan government. She also backed a cooperative supply model combining central-government support with local autonomy. To address rental-market instability, Hong pledged to expand private long-term leases and strengthen universal public rental housing for young people, newlyweds and other non-homeowners, including quality homes in well-located areas such as near subway stations. Her agenda also includes corporate-led smart cities, the second-phase relocation of public institutions, development of Sejong and Saemangeum, and nationwide transportation expansion to support balanced development. She identified safety and fairness as core governance principles, promising action against substandard construction and illegal subcontracting and stronger safeguards across roads, railways and aviation. Hong further called for less paperwork, fewer unnecessary reports and meetings, faster disclosure of bad news, and an organizational culture focused on practical changes in people’s lives.