Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on June 29 addressed criticisms regarding investments in the Honam semiconductor cluster, urging that "political calculations should not hinder our future."
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kim stated, "This regional investment is a decision made by companies after considering various factors such as power supply, water resources, infrastructure, and affordable land."
He added, "Bringing politics into market decisions is what the critics are doing. If we follow their logic, we should consider the opportunities that have only accumulated in the capital region as a privilege."
Kim emphasized, "We do not have time to hesitate. Now, we must unite government and private sectors to consolidate our capabilities and secure South Korea's economic and industrial standing in fierce global competition, enhancing national competitiveness."
He expressed gratitude to the companies that made bold investment decisions in the region, assuring that the government would respect their investment intentions and ensure that there are no constraints on essential infrastructure such as power and water, including a differentiated power pricing system by region.
Additionally, he stated, "We will closely cooperate with local governments to swiftly resolve on-site obstacles like permits and will mobilize the capabilities of central ministries to support investments that lead to actual construction, operation, quality jobs, and revitalization of the local economy."
Kim described the "Korea's Great Leap: Three Major Mega Projects National Report Meeting" held today as a significant opportunity for balanced development and a new driving force for industrial policy in South Korea, emphasizing that addressing disparities not only between the capital and non-capital regions but also among non-capital regions is essential for collective prosperity and national advancement.
He concluded, "With a strategic linkage among the three pillars of the AI industry—semiconductors, AI data centers, and physical AI—we aim to plant the most suitable industries in the most rational locations across the nation, ensuring that South Korea achieves a second great leap into the future together."
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kim stated, "This regional investment is a decision made by companies after considering various factors such as power supply, water resources, infrastructure, and affordable land."
He added, "Bringing politics into market decisions is what the critics are doing. If we follow their logic, we should consider the opportunities that have only accumulated in the capital region as a privilege."
Kim emphasized, "We do not have time to hesitate. Now, we must unite government and private sectors to consolidate our capabilities and secure South Korea's economic and industrial standing in fierce global competition, enhancing national competitiveness."
He expressed gratitude to the companies that made bold investment decisions in the region, assuring that the government would respect their investment intentions and ensure that there are no constraints on essential infrastructure such as power and water, including a differentiated power pricing system by region.
Additionally, he stated, "We will closely cooperate with local governments to swiftly resolve on-site obstacles like permits and will mobilize the capabilities of central ministries to support investments that lead to actual construction, operation, quality jobs, and revitalization of the local economy."
Kim described the "Korea's Great Leap: Three Major Mega Projects National Report Meeting" held today as a significant opportunity for balanced development and a new driving force for industrial policy in South Korea, emphasizing that addressing disparities not only between the capital and non-capital regions but also among non-capital regions is essential for collective prosperity and national advancement.
He concluded, "With a strategic linkage among the three pillars of the AI industry—semiconductors, AI data centers, and physical AI—we aim to plant the most suitable industries in the most rational locations across the nation, ensuring that South Korea achieves a second great leap into the future together."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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