Workers 'forced to buy' unsold homes

South Korean construction worker Kim Keon-Hoon never wanted to buy this apartment.

His employer told him he had to take the unsold property to help keep the firm afloat.

He paid more than 716, 000 dollars.

(SOUNDBITE)(Korean) KOM KEON-HOON, BYUCKSAN ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYEE, SAYING:

"I never wanted to come and live in this apartment. I can't afford to pay this amount of interest consistently on my salary."

Kim says he was threatened with a poor appraisal if he refused to buy and it seems he's not alone.

The Korean Federation of Construction Industry Trade Unions says at least five firms in receivership had done the same.

South Korea's building boom has turned to dust.

Sky City on Youngjong Island is accessible only by a toll bridge.

Half the homes there are still empty.

Residents aren't happy.

(SOUNDBITE)(Korean) LEE SUNG-TAE, RESIDENT OF SKY CITY, SAYING:

"We don't trust any new development towns. I