Lee Eok-won, Financial Services Commission Chairman, "Takes 'Gap Investment' Controversy Seriously"

"Was Abroad at the Time... Lived in a Single-Household, Single-Home Property My Entire Life, and Will Continue to Do So"

Chairman Lee Eok-won Responding (Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Joo-sung = Lee Eok-won, Chairman of the Financial Services Commission, answers questions from lawmakers at the plenary session of the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee held in Yeouido, Seoul on the 27th. 2025.10.27 utzza@yna.co.kr

Lee Eok-won, Chairman of the Financial Services Commission, stated on the 27th that regarding accusations of engaging in "gap investment" in a rebuilt apartment in Gaepo-dong, "I have lived in a single-household, single-home property my entire life, and will continue to do so."

During a parliamentary audit at the National Assembly on the same day, in response to a question from Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Hyun-jung, who raised concerns about "criticism regarding the Financial Services Commission Chairman's residence in relation to real estate measures," Chairman Lee said, "There were parts where I could not reside in Korea due to being posted overseas."

He added, "However, I am aware that the questions are directed at Lee Eok-won the public servant, not Lee Eok-won the individual, and therefore I take this very seriously."

He also commented, "I am fully aware that there are many aspects I must deeply reflect upon from the perspective of the public."

Candidate Lee purchased apartments before their reconstruction in 2005 and 2013 but did not reside in them due to overseas postings. The Gaepo-dong Jugong apartment, purchased in 2013, is now valued at around 4 billion won after reconstruction. Yonhap News