Kim Jeong-kwan, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, emphasized the need to include labor exceptions, such as exemptions from the 52-hour workweek, in the Mega Special Zone Law. He stated that he would work to ensure the bill passes during the current regular session of the National Assembly.
During a comprehensive National Assembly inspection on October 22, Kim responded to a question from Rep. Jo Ji-yeon of the People Power Party regarding the Ministry's stance on the Mega Special Zone Law, saying, "It is our hope that labor-related exception clauses are included in the Mega Special Zone Law."
The Mega Special Zone Law, which supports mega projects, has yet to reach an internal agreement within the government regarding labor exceptions, including exemptions for high-income and research workers from the 52-hour workweek. The Democratic Party recently proposed two versions of the bill, one including labor exceptions and one without.
Kim explained, "It seems that the Ministry of Employment and Labor believes that social consensus is necessary and that discussions should take place." When Rep. Jo pointed out that the related discussions appear to be more of a 'war of attrition' than a 'race against time,' Kim responded, "I will do my best to ensure it passes during this regular session of the National Assembly."
Rep. Jo also questioned the appropriateness of financial support for the Gwangju semiconductor cluster project. She inquired whether the estimated costs for infrastructure development, which amount to approximately 6 trillion won over four years, had been specifically calculated and whether there was a risk of overlapping with national funding under the Special Semiconductor Law.
In response, Kim clarified that the government had reflected the financial plans set by local governments to revitalize the regional economy and support the semiconductor industry. He stated, "We have incorporated the local government's commitment to allocate 1.5 trillion won specifically for this purpose," adding that detailed explanations would be provided during the National Assembly's budget review process as the project becomes more concrete.
Kim acknowledged the importance of the Ministry's role as a control tower for mega projects, saying, "I take this seriously and will work diligently."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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