On November 10, lawmakers engaged in a heated debate during a full meeting of the National Assembly's Budget Special Committee regarding the government's initiative to establish a Honam semiconductor cluster. The Democratic Party expressed concerns about potential delays, while the People Power Party criticized the project as being rushed.
People Power Party lawmaker Lee Jong-wook questioned the government's confidence in the semiconductor market, asking, "How can this government be so certain? What are they relying on to stake the future of South Korea?" He also noted that despite requests for budget information related to the Honam semiconductor project, the government had not provided any data. He pointed out that essential infrastructure plans, such as power and water supply networks, had not been adequately reviewed before moving forward.
In contrast, the Democratic Party argued for accelerating the project to enhance the competitiveness of the semiconductor industry. Lawmaker Cho In-cheol remarked, "The local community is feeling very anxious as they see no visible progress. Are we moving too quickly?"
Lee Kwang-jae, the chair of the Budget Special Committee, added that the semiconductor project in Yongin should have progressed much faster. He urged both parties to collaborate on this critical issue, stating, "This is not just a matter for the ruling and opposition parties; it is a matter of our future, and I hope we can pool our wisdom together."
In response, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-gwan stated that discussions regarding the placement of semiconductor production facilities are ongoing. He mentioned that visible outcomes, such as the relocation of a military airport, would likely become apparent by the end of this year or around 2027.
People Power Party lawmaker Lee Jong-wook questioned the government's confidence in the semiconductor market, asking, "How can this government be so certain? What are they relying on to stake the future of South Korea?" He also noted that despite requests for budget information related to the Honam semiconductor project, the government had not provided any data. He pointed out that essential infrastructure plans, such as power and water supply networks, had not been adequately reviewed before moving forward.
In contrast, the Democratic Party argued for accelerating the project to enhance the competitiveness of the semiconductor industry. Lawmaker Cho In-cheol remarked, "The local community is feeling very anxious as they see no visible progress. Are we moving too quickly?"
Lee Kwang-jae, the chair of the Budget Special Committee, added that the semiconductor project in Yongin should have progressed much faster. He urged both parties to collaborate on this critical issue, stating, "This is not just a matter for the ruling and opposition parties; it is a matter of our future, and I hope we can pool our wisdom together."
In response, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-gwan stated that discussions regarding the placement of semiconductor production facilities are ongoing. He mentioned that visible outcomes, such as the relocation of a military airport, would likely become apparent by the end of this year or around 2027.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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