Aug. 10 (Asia Today) — Democratic Party lawmaker Hwang Hee apologized Monday after facing criticism over his proposal to convert decommissioned buses into temporary housing for young adults.

“I sincerely apologize to the younger generation and the public,” Hwang said in a statement posted on social media.

Hwang said the proposal began as an attempt to bridge the time required for government housing construction and reduce the heavy short-term housing costs faced by low-income young adults.

“Regardless of my intentions, I deeply apologize for causing great concern and disappointment to young people and the public,” he said.

Hwang acknowledged that he had failed to fully appreciate the seriousness of the housing problems young people face.

“I feel a heavy responsibility for causing hurt and disappointment by failing to carefully consider the feelings of young people who are directly affected by the housing issue,” he said.

Hwang said he would listen more closely to young people’s concerns and work on more practical and comprehensive housing policies.

The controversy began Friday when Hwang proposed remodeling buses scheduled for disposal into temporary residential spaces for young people near universities.

After criticism from young adults and the opposition People Power Party, Hwang deleted the post and said it had merely been an idea.

The Democratic Party also distanced itself from the proposal.

Democratic Party senior spokesman Kang Jun-hyun said Monday that Hwang’s proposal was “an individual lawmaker’s opinion that has absolutely nothing to do with the party’s position.”

Policy chief Han Jeoung-ae said Sunday that the proposal had “almost no possibility of being implemented” and asked the public to regard it as an isolated episode.

Hwang had planned a news conference Monday to explain his position and present alternative housing proposals but abruptly canceled it.

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

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