The Blue House and Presidential Office stated that President Lee Jae-myung waived any interest on a 1.77 billion won mortgage established during the sale of his Bundang apartment, noting the deferral is only for a few months rather than years. They described the arrangement as highly akin to a bank loan, with the buyer allowed to postpone payment of the remaining balance and the president not charging interest as a courtesy given the buyer’s circumstances. The sale itself involved a 2.9 billion won price, with the buyer facing a large deferred amount and the transaction attracting questions about potential ‘gift’ implications and related tax treatment, which would be handled per regulations. Officials and real estate experts contended that the difference in the grace period is about three to four months, not an extended period, and emphasized that the arrangement does not constitute a gift if the buyer is not a related party. Critics raised concerns that waiving interest could amount to a gift, but authorities maintained proper procedures for any gift tax implications, including the buyer paying applicable taxes. Subsequent briefings reiterate that the arrangement was intended to facilitate the sale and that the buyer is expected to settle the remaining balance around October, with enforcement mechanisms only if repayment fails to occur."