Rep. Hwang Hee of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) sparked controversy recently with his ill-timed proposal to turn disused old buses into temporary housing for university students. His so-called “bus house” idea was quickly ridiculed by younger Koreans, many of whom saw it not as an innovative housing solution but as an insult to a generation struggling to find decent places to live. The controversy started Friday with Hwang's post titled “A Proposal on Bus Houses” on social media. He suggested that the government recycle retired buses into temporary housing for students facing a shortage of affordable homes. “The cost of remodeling a vehicle will be around 50 million won ($35,000). If 10,000 buses are renovated, the total cost will be only 500 billion won,” he wrote. Drawing inspiration from houseboats in Amsterdam, he said refurbished buses could provide a temporary solution to the acute housing difficulties confronting young people in Korea. The proposal immediately drew criticism. Some young people accused Hwang of treating them like refugees rather than citiz