[앵커]
It has been found that the rent for commercial properties in Yesan Market, South Chungcheong Province, which was newly renovated by Baek Jong-won, has increased by up to 10 times. As the number of visitors increased as it became a national attraction, building owners began to raise rents, but despite Baek Jong-won’s warning, there are no clear measures.
This is reporter Kim Dal-ho.
[리포트]
Even though it is a weekday, there is a constant flow of customers.
There was a long line at the famous restaurant.
“The few times we came, it was always sold out. Every time we came, it was always closed, but today it was open….”
As of the beginning of this month, 3.65 million people have visited Yesan Permanent Market.
Since its refurbishment in January last year, it has emerged as a national landmark.
However, merchants say that commercial rents are also rising.
marketeer
“We paid 100,000 won each to come in. Now that we have stopped paying 1 million won, they raised the rent, so we did this and then raised the rent….”
I asked a nearby real estate agent about the rent.
Local real estate agent
“Individuals didn’t sell and kept holding on, and they asked for a little bit of what they put in. I heard that the highest they get is 180.”
It is known that the monthly rent for the commercial complex purchased by The Born Korea, headed by Baek Jong-won, is around 600,000 won for 49 square meters.
As private building owners received up to three times more rent, CEO Baek warned that the entire market could be moved.
Baek Jong-won / CEO of The Born Korea
“We could leave the entire market and go out. If land prices fluctuate due to unreasonable real estate speculators joining in, we won’t go in.”
They were concerned about gentrification, where existing merchants would be driven out due to high rents.
Yesan County stated that there is no other solution other than instructing building owners not to charge too high rent.
This is Kim Dal-ho from TV Chosun.
Here are two PAA-related questions for the provided text.
## World Today News: Yesan Market Rent Hike: A Recipe for Disaster?
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today we’re discussing the escalating rent crisis gripping Yesan Market, South Chungcheong Province, made famous by celebrity restaurateur Baek Jong-won’s renovation. We’re joined by two distinguished guests:
* **Professor Lee Soo-jin**: A leading expert on urban development and gentrification.
* **Mr. Park Chan-ho**: A representative of the Yesan Market Merchant Association.
**Section 1: The Boom and the Bust?**
* **Host:** Professor Lee, Baek Jong-won’s renovation undeniably revitalized Yesan Market, attracting millions of visitors. Was this success inevitable, and did anyone foresee the potential for such aggressive rent increases?
* **Host:** Mr. Park, the article highlights rents skyrocketing up to ten times their original value. Can you share your experience? How are these increases impacting the existing merchants who are the heart and soul of this market?
**Section 2: The Gentrification Debate:**
* **Host:** Professor Lee, the spectre of gentrification looms large. Is Yesan Market a prime example of how revitalization efforts can inadvertently displace long-standing communities? What measures can be implemented to mitigate this risk?
* **Host:** Mr. Park, Baek Jong-won has publicly expressed concern about the market’s future if rents continue to be driven by speculation. What steps is the Merchant Association taking to address this issue and ensure the market remains accessible to everyone?
**Section 3: The Role of Local Government and Responsibility:**
* **Host:** Professor Lee, while Yesan County has urged landlords to show restraint, some argue that stronger intervention is needed. Should local governments be more proactive in regulating rent increases in revitalized areas? What tools are available to them?
* **Host:** Mr. Park, what is your message to the local government? What kind of support and policies are needed to protect the interests of both existing businesses and the new visitors who contribute to the market’s success?
**Section 4: Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future?**
* **Host:** Professor Lee, looking towards the future, what lessons can other communities learn from the Yesan Market case study? How can we ensure that revitalization benefits everyone, not just those with the deepest pockets?
* **Host:** Mr. Park, what is your vision for the future of Yesan Market? How can we strike a balance between preserving its unique character and ensuring its long-term viability?
**Conclusion:**
The story of Yesan Market is a microcosm of the complex challenges facing revitalized communities worldwide. By fostering open dialog and collaboration between stakeholders, we can work towards solutions that benefit both individuals and the community as a whole. Thank you to Professor Lee and Mr. Park for sharing your insightful perspectives.
