The issue of labor exceptions in the Mega Special Zone Law and the push for membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) emerged during the National Assembly audit of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Minister Kim Jeong-gwan stated that labor-related exceptions should be included in the Mega Special Zone Law. He emphasized the need to strengthen communication with the agriculture sector while pursuing CPTPP membership.
During the comprehensive audit on October 22, Kim responded to a question from Rep. Jo Gi-yeon of the ruling People Power Party regarding the ministry's stance on the Mega Special Zone Law, saying, "We hope that labor-related exception clauses will definitely be included in the Mega Special Zone Law."
As discussions continue regarding exceptions to the 52-hour workweek for high-income and research workers, the Democratic Party has proposed two separate bills—one including labor exceptions and one without.
When Rep. Jo pointed out that the related discussions seem to be turning into a 'war of attrition' rather than a 'race against time,' Minister Kim replied, "It seems that the Ministry of Employment and Labor believes that social consensus is necessary and that discussions should take place. We will do our best to ensure it passes in this regular session of the National Assembly."
The process of applying for CPTPP membership also sparked controversy. Rep. Yoon Han-hong of the People Power Party questioned the government's consistency in policy, noting that the application was halted following President Lee Jae-myung's recent directive. He referenced Kim's previous statement in a media contribution on October 13, where he emphasized that joining the CPTPP is a matter of 'survival, not choice.'
In response, Minister Kim stated, "The President clearly has the will to join the CPTPP," adding, "Our position and the President's position are essentially aligned." He further explained that the aim is to gather opinions from the agriculture sector and enhance communication, assuring that he would work diligently to ensure CPTPP membership as the minister responsible for trade.
The budget and infrastructure for the Honam semiconductor cluster were also scrutinized. Rep. Jo raised concerns about the plan to support approximately 6 trillion won over four years, questioning the basis for infrastructure cost calculations and the potential overlap with national funding under the Special Semiconductor Act.
Minister Kim clarified that the government reflected the financial plans set by local governments and promised to provide detailed explanations during the National Assembly's budget review process once the project is more concrete. In response to calls for strengthening the ministry's role as a control tower, he acknowledged the feedback and committed to working diligently.
Rep. Seo Ji-young of the People Power Party mentioned a 58 billion won construction project for U.S. military facilities at the Gwangju military airport, raising concerns about potential delays in the relocation of the military airport and the establishment of the cluster. Minister Kim stated he was not aware of the specifics but believed the Ministry of National Defense was proceeding with the relocation discussions without issues and promised to verify further.
On the same day, he reaffirmed his stance on separating industrial and energy policies. In response to Rep. Park Seong-min's assertion that dividing energy and resource policies between the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment is inappropriate, Kim stated, "In the long term, I believe industry and energy should progress together." He acknowledged the inefficiencies arising from the separation of domestic nuclear power and overseas nuclear export responsibilities but emphasized the importance of effectively managing operations within the current system.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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