In response to an external expert column published on January 27 and 28, 2026, by the Hankyoreh, Seoul City clarified its position on the decision to dissolve land transaction permission areas in February 2025. The city emphasized that this decision was made after thorough analysis of real estate market trends and backed by relevant research. Officials pointed out that the significant rise in residential construction projects during that period justified their actions.

Moreover, the city's statistics suggested a dramatic increase in apartment completions, with 50,000 units set to be completed, representing a 51.5% surge compared to the previous year. Additionally, apartment starts were also on the rise, with 27,000 units projected, marking a 24.3% increase from the year before. This implies that the city's decision was not made lightly, but rather in response to a rapidly changing market environment.

The rebuttal published in the media serves as an important clarification, particularly in light of potential misconceptions about the timing and reasoning behind the policy changes. It highlights the delicate balance city officials are trying to maintain in addressing both expert concerns and the evolving dynamics of the real estate market. As the real estate sector continues to fluctuate, the outcomes of this policy may play a critical role in shaping future regulations and market stability in Seoul.