# South Korean farmland ownership investigation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-farmland-ownership-investigation > Updated: 2026-09-17T01:37:00.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2. A South Korean government investigation into farmland ownership, intended to ensure that those who cultivate the land are its owners, has triggered significant social and political tension. In rural regions such as Gyeongbuk, the probe has raised concerns regarding ‘clan land’ (munjung nongji), where traditional family lineage management conflicts with rigid ownership enforcement. There are fears that strict application of the rules could deprive actual farmers of their livelihoods. Additionally, the investigation has prompted non-resident heirs to sell small inherited plots to avoid administrative complexities, a trend contributing to ‘Gyeongja-silhyang’ and accelerating rural depopulation. The issue has escalated into a political dispute. The People Power Party has called for a halt to the investigation, labeling it ‘desk administration’ that ignores the realities of elderly and tenant farmers while causing farmland prices to drop. Conversely, the Democratic Party of Korea has argued that the probe should focus on punishing land speculation while providing guidance for minor violations, accusing the opposition of inciting unnecessary anxiety among farmers. President Lee Jae-myung recently addressed the controversial nationwide farmland survey during a press conference. While the administration faces criticism from opposition leaders for failing to address core public concerns regarding real estate, the President’s remarks have been met with sharp criticism from opposition leaders who describe his stance as lacking accountability. ## Claims - Appointing Kim Seung-won as Justice Minister would create a cabinet with a total of 35 prior convictions. (disputed by 2 sources) - The current cabinet members, including the President, have a combined total of 34 prior convictions. (disputed by 2 sources) - The push for Kim Seung-won's appointment is linked to the dismissal of the President's prosecution. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Presidential Office's Civil Affairs Secretary's office requires complete reform. (single source) - The nomination of Kim Ji-yong for the head of the Serious Crime Investigation Office should be withdrawn. (single source) - The government must ensure that innocent farmers and citizens do not suffer unnecessary damage from the nationwide farmland survey. (single source) - Minor farmland law violations should be addressed through guidance and institutional improvement rather than punishment. (single source) - Siheung City should address revenue leaks and administrative errors before issuing new local bonds. (single source) - President Lee Jae-myung stated there will be no military deployment to participate in wars regarding the Hormuz Strait issue. (single source) - President Lee Jae-myung expressed that he is still deliberating on the appointment of Kim Seung-won as Justice Minister. (single source) - President Lee Jae-myung stated during a press conference that he has no intention of seeking re-election. (single source) - A basic survey of farmland revealed that 2.84 million parcels, or 27% of the target, are suspected of violating farmland laws through illegal leasing, unauthorized fallow, or illegal conversion. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-17: President Lee Jae-myung addresses farmland survey and foreign policy President Lee Jae-myung addressed the Hormuz Strait deployment, farmland survey controversies, and his Justice Minister nomination during a press conference that drew heavy criticism from opposition parties. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korean-political-leaders-clash-over-cabinet-and-policy-issues ### 2026-09-15: South Korea farmland investigation sparks rural land sales and clan ownership concerns South Korea's farmland ownership investigation is causing rural landowners to sell inherited plots and complicating the management of traditional clan lands, fueling fears of rural depopulation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korea-farmland-investigation-sparks-rural-land-sales-and-clan-ownership-concerns --- Cite as: South Korean farmland ownership investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-farmland-ownership-investigation