The Democratic Party of Korea sharply criticized the opposition for framing the Honam region semiconductor investments by Samsung Electronics and SK hynix as political pressure.
Hwang Myung-sun, a Democratic Party lawmaker, said at a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on Wednesday that "a plan for investment in three advanced industries is set to be announced under the president's leadership, with investments from Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, and others projected to reach about 1,000 trillion won over 10 years." Criticizing the People Power Party, he said, "They must stop this 21st-century act of treason that uses a critical matter — one on which the competitiveness of global companies representing the Republic of Korea and the future of the national economy depend — as a tool for political attacks."
Hwang added, "Claims that the Honam region semiconductor investment is a political decision, that external pressure is being applied to companies, that there is no infrastructure so how can there be semiconductors, and that it is reverse discrimination are not facts but mere political agitation." He stressed, "Companies do not invest hundreds of trillions of won for political reasons, nor do they make management decisions based on votes. What companies look at is solely competitiveness — whether the region has sufficient electricity, whether industrial water is stable, and whether sites can be secured. That is all."
Lawmaker Kang Deuk-gu also said, "The People Power Party is jumping on regionalism and continuing pathetic political attacks," and pointed out that "trying to block investment in future growth industries without reasonable grounds is a crime that holds the future of the Republic of Korea hostage." He continued, "In particular, everyone knows the fact that Honam received the highest score in the semiconductor specialized cluster competition during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration in 2023." He argued, "The People Power Party should be ashamed and apologize immediately. We hope they stop their political attacks and actively cooperate with support at the National Assembly level."
