The first plenary session of the May extraordinary National Assembly is underway on the 7th. [Photo=Yonhap News]
The legal framework to support the activation of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers has been established. Additionally, a law to support the development of defense semiconductors has been enacted.
On May 7, the National Assembly passed 115 bills, including the 'Special Act on the Promotion of the AI Data Center Industry' and the 'Law on the Development and Support of Defense Semiconductors.' A proposed constitutional amendment was not voted on due to a lack of quorum.
The AI Data Center Promotion Act focuses on easing facility regulations and introducing special zones to enhance the construction and operation of AI data centers. It also includes provisions for related infrastructure and financial support. Some lawmakers expressed concerns that the bill might prioritize industrial growth at the expense of environmental and social costs for future generations, but it passed with 176 votes in favor out of 201.
The bill regarding defense semiconductors, which mandates the Minister of National Defense to establish a basic plan for their development, also passed with 201 votes from 203 present. This law establishes a Defense Semiconductor Promotion Committee to review key policies and plans related to defense semiconductors and allows the Defense Acquisition Program Administration to pursue research and development (R&D) for military semiconductors.
The 'Basic Law on Life Safety,' which guarantees public safety rights and outlines the responsibilities of the government and local authorities, also cleared the Assembly. This law will establish a National Life Safety Commission under the President, requiring the government to develop a comprehensive life safety plan every five years. A National Safety Accident Investigation Committee will also be created under the Prime Minister to investigate major safety incidents.
Additionally, the 'Comprehensive Amendment to the Basic Law on Low Birth Rates and an Aging Society' was processed, changing its name to the 'Basic Law on Population Strategy' and expanding the committee's scope. Bills to support the development of Arctic shipping routes and solar power generation projects were also approved.
A bill amending the Foreign Exchange Transaction Act, which requires registration with the Ministry of Economy and Finance for businesses dealing in virtual asset transfers, also passed.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly attempted to present a constitutional amendment, but the ruling party did not participate in the vote, preventing it from proceeding. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik announced that the amendment will be reintroduced in a session on May 8.
On May 7, the National Assembly passed 115 bills, including the 'Special Act on the Promotion of the AI Data Center Industry' and the 'Law on the Development and Support of Defense Semiconductors.' A proposed constitutional amendment was not voted on due to a lack of quorum.
The AI Data Center Promotion Act focuses on easing facility regulations and introducing special zones to enhance the construction and operation of AI data centers. It also includes provisions for related infrastructure and financial support. Some lawmakers expressed concerns that the bill might prioritize industrial growth at the expense of environmental and social costs for future generations, but it passed with 176 votes in favor out of 201.
The bill regarding defense semiconductors, which mandates the Minister of National Defense to establish a basic plan for their development, also passed with 201 votes from 203 present. This law establishes a Defense Semiconductor Promotion Committee to review key policies and plans related to defense semiconductors and allows the Defense Acquisition Program Administration to pursue research and development (R&D) for military semiconductors.
The 'Basic Law on Life Safety,' which guarantees public safety rights and outlines the responsibilities of the government and local authorities, also cleared the Assembly. This law will establish a National Life Safety Commission under the President, requiring the government to develop a comprehensive life safety plan every five years. A National Safety Accident Investigation Committee will also be created under the Prime Minister to investigate major safety incidents.
Additionally, the 'Comprehensive Amendment to the Basic Law on Low Birth Rates and an Aging Society' was processed, changing its name to the 'Basic Law on Population Strategy' and expanding the committee's scope. Bills to support the development of Arctic shipping routes and solar power generation projects were also approved.
A bill amending the Foreign Exchange Transaction Act, which requires registration with the Ministry of Economy and Finance for businesses dealing in virtual asset transfers, also passed.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly attempted to present a constitutional amendment, but the ruling party did not participate in the vote, preventing it from proceeding. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik announced that the amendment will be reintroduced in a session on May 8.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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