The government and the Democratic Party of Korea have launched an accelerated effort to process the 'Mega Special Zone Law' by the end of the year, which aims to establish a regulatory framework for the development of non-capital regions. The party emphasized the need for the special law to include not only regulatory exemptions but also support measures for transportation and cultural infrastructure. They stated that they would seek a social consensus on easing labor regulations, including exceptions to the 52-hour workweek.
On September 4, the Democratic Party and the government held a meeting of the Mega Growth Special Committee at the National Assembly. Attendees included Kim Min-seok, the committee chair and party leader, Lim Gi-geun, head of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, and Moon Sin-hak, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy.
Kim explained that the 'Mega Growth Special Committee' encompasses three major mega projects focused on relocating semiconductor production outside the capital region, promoting local-led growth through five key areas, and developing strategies for the capital region. He stressed that areas like northern Gyeonggi Province, Incheon, and the border regions of Gangwon, which have been overlooked due to their proximity to Seoul, should not be neglected again.
He further noted that the existence of a special committee within the party is necessary to address governance, specialization, and the concerns of the private sector, stating, "In the era of local autonomy, it is difficult to achieve results solely through government leadership. The five pillars—central government, local governments, the National Assembly, local councils, and civil society—must work together on mega growth initiatives."
Kim emphasized the importance of addressing transportation and education issues in newly developed areas, saying, "Often, after developing a new city, the transportation and education problems in that area remain unresolved over time. We must ensure that these aspects are carefully considered together." He cited the case of Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated Special City, where the party has established a '30-Minute Commute Task Force' and a 'Cultural Infrastructure Big Deal Task Force.'
He added that even with mega projects, if there are areas where semiconductor data centers are not established, it is crucial to simultaneously consider how to address these issues to maintain community acceptance.
Kwon Chil-seung, the committee's vice chair, stated, "It is time to establish a regulatory framework that includes bold regulatory innovations and comprehensive support measures," expressing hope that the discussions would lead to a more refined Mega Special Zone Law.
He acknowledged the various opinions within the party regarding labor-related exemptions and the concerns raised by labor groups, stating, "To harmonize regulatory innovation that enhances corporate competitiveness with the protection of workers' rights, a social consensus process that gathers the opinions of various stakeholders is necessary. We will work to build broad support at the National Assembly level."
Lim Gi-geun, head of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, remarked, "Local-led growth and a national land transformation are not mere slogans but survival strategies that will determine the present and future of South Korea. The government will actively communicate with the National Assembly and the party to make every effort to enact the Mega Special Zone Law by the end of the year."
On September 4, the Democratic Party and the government held a meeting of the Mega Growth Special Committee at the National Assembly. Attendees included Kim Min-seok, the committee chair and party leader, Lim Gi-geun, head of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, and Moon Sin-hak, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy.
Kim explained that the 'Mega Growth Special Committee' encompasses three major mega projects focused on relocating semiconductor production outside the capital region, promoting local-led growth through five key areas, and developing strategies for the capital region. He stressed that areas like northern Gyeonggi Province, Incheon, and the border regions of Gangwon, which have been overlooked due to their proximity to Seoul, should not be neglected again.
He further noted that the existence of a special committee within the party is necessary to address governance, specialization, and the concerns of the private sector, stating, "In the era of local autonomy, it is difficult to achieve results solely through government leadership. The five pillars—central government, local governments, the National Assembly, local councils, and civil society—must work together on mega growth initiatives."
Kim emphasized the importance of addressing transportation and education issues in newly developed areas, saying, "Often, after developing a new city, the transportation and education problems in that area remain unresolved over time. We must ensure that these aspects are carefully considered together." He cited the case of Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated Special City, where the party has established a '30-Minute Commute Task Force' and a 'Cultural Infrastructure Big Deal Task Force.'
He added that even with mega projects, if there are areas where semiconductor data centers are not established, it is crucial to simultaneously consider how to address these issues to maintain community acceptance.
Kwon Chil-seung, the committee's vice chair, stated, "It is time to establish a regulatory framework that includes bold regulatory innovations and comprehensive support measures," expressing hope that the discussions would lead to a more refined Mega Special Zone Law.
He acknowledged the various opinions within the party regarding labor-related exemptions and the concerns raised by labor groups, stating, "To harmonize regulatory innovation that enhances corporate competitiveness with the protection of workers' rights, a social consensus process that gathers the opinions of various stakeholders is necessary. We will work to build broad support at the National Assembly level."
Lim Gi-geun, head of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, remarked, "Local-led growth and a national land transformation are not mere slogans but survival strategies that will determine the present and future of South Korea. The government will actively communicate with the National Assembly and the party to make every effort to enact the Mega Special Zone Law by the end of the year."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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