On August 12, lawmakers clashed during a meeting of the National Assembly's Industry and Trade Committee over the government's push to establish a semiconductor cluster in Gwangju. The Democratic Party supported the government's rapid development of the cluster, arguing it is essential to gain an advantage in the ongoing 'semiconductor war.' In contrast, the People Power Party expressed concerns that the government is hastily advancing a massive project.
Democratic Party lawmaker Baek Hye-ryun questioned Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-kwan during the committee meeting, asking if companies had already begun evaluating additional production sites due to the urgent need for semiconductor exports. Kim confirmed that the government had not anticipated the urgency with which companies would seek new sites, noting that Gwangju met the necessary criteria for location, power, and water supply.
Baek emphasized that the military airport site in Gwangju offers ample space and favorable conditions for land acquisition, urging that speed is crucial in this endeavor. She cautioned against any single department monopolizing control over the project.
Another Democratic lawmaker, Kim Won-yi, refuted claims from the opposition that the government pressured companies like Samsung and SK to select specific sites for the semiconductor cluster.
Conversely, the People Power Party criticized the government and ruling party for rushing the semiconductor cluster development to align with political timelines. They raised doubts about whether the site selection process was influenced by government pressure.
People Power Party lawmaker Park Seong-min remarked that President Lee Jae-myung seems to be moving too quickly, questioning whether the first phase of the Gwangju production facility could be completed within three years. He suggested that the government's approach may be a popularity-driven policy ahead of the 2028 general elections or the 2030 presidential elections. In response, Kim stated that from his perspective as the minister responsible for the semiconductor industry, even a completion date of 2029 or 2030 would be considered slow.
Another lawmaker from the same party, Kim Do-eup, pointed out that the announcements from Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix include contingencies and potential changes, criticizing the president's directive to relocate the airport by 2028 and the pressure from Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon regarding profit-sharing with companies.
Lawmaker Koo Ja-geun criticized the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy for its inadequate data submission, expressing concern that the government and ruling party are prematurely announcing the establishment of a 'mega-special zone' law.
The People Power Party persistently questioned who initially proposed the semiconductor cluster site. Minister Kim clarified that the government suggested various locations, including Gwangju, based on the companies' needs, but the final decision rested with the companies. However, he declined to answer questions about alternative sites outside of Gwangju.
The semiconductor cluster, expected to be developed on the site of the Gwangju military airport, is projected to include four semiconductor production facilities from Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. The government plans to support companies in completing their semiconductor plants within three years.
Democratic Party lawmaker Baek Hye-ryun questioned Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-kwan during the committee meeting, asking if companies had already begun evaluating additional production sites due to the urgent need for semiconductor exports. Kim confirmed that the government had not anticipated the urgency with which companies would seek new sites, noting that Gwangju met the necessary criteria for location, power, and water supply.
Baek emphasized that the military airport site in Gwangju offers ample space and favorable conditions for land acquisition, urging that speed is crucial in this endeavor. She cautioned against any single department monopolizing control over the project.
Another Democratic lawmaker, Kim Won-yi, refuted claims from the opposition that the government pressured companies like Samsung and SK to select specific sites for the semiconductor cluster.
Conversely, the People Power Party criticized the government and ruling party for rushing the semiconductor cluster development to align with political timelines. They raised doubts about whether the site selection process was influenced by government pressure.
People Power Party lawmaker Park Seong-min remarked that President Lee Jae-myung seems to be moving too quickly, questioning whether the first phase of the Gwangju production facility could be completed within three years. He suggested that the government's approach may be a popularity-driven policy ahead of the 2028 general elections or the 2030 presidential elections. In response, Kim stated that from his perspective as the minister responsible for the semiconductor industry, even a completion date of 2029 or 2030 would be considered slow.
Another lawmaker from the same party, Kim Do-eup, pointed out that the announcements from Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix include contingencies and potential changes, criticizing the president's directive to relocate the airport by 2028 and the pressure from Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon regarding profit-sharing with companies.
Lawmaker Koo Ja-geun criticized the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy for its inadequate data submission, expressing concern that the government and ruling party are prematurely announcing the establishment of a 'mega-special zone' law.
The People Power Party persistently questioned who initially proposed the semiconductor cluster site. Minister Kim clarified that the government suggested various locations, including Gwangju, based on the companies' needs, but the final decision rested with the companies. However, he declined to answer questions about alternative sites outside of Gwangju.
The semiconductor cluster, expected to be developed on the site of the Gwangju military airport, is projected to include four semiconductor production facilities from Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. The government plans to support companies in completing their semiconductor plants within three years.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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