The Democratic Party of Korea is launching an internal "Three Mega-Projects Support Task Force" to back the "Korea's Great Leap Three Mega-Projects," including an 800 trillion won semiconductor investment in the Honam region.
Kang Jun-hyun, chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party, made the announcement Monday after meeting with reporters following a party Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly. "The government has formed a joint task force of relevant ministries, and the presidential office has also formed a dedicated team," he said. "In response, the Democratic Party has decided to launch a task force as well."
The task force will be chaired by Rep. Han Jeoung-ae, chair of the party's Policy Committee. Task force members will consist of the senior deputy chair of the Policy Committee, the senior deputy floor leader, and secretaries of each standing committee.
"The three mega-projects are a feast carefully prepared by the government and business for future growth engines and balanced regional development," Kang said, adding, "But the People Power Party's sophistry on this matter is going beyond the pale." He said, "At the People Power Party's floor strategy meeting, remarks were made such as, 'We will consider a parliamentary investigation into the selection of the semiconductor cluster,' and, 'If there was coercion, it would be subject to presidential impeachment and criminal punishment.'" He criticized, "This goes beyond griping about the side dishes—it is a threat to flip over the table if things do not go their way. They must immediately withdraw the remarks and apologize."
Meanwhile, regarding the Aug. 17 party convention, Kang said, "We will prepare a convention that highlights our future vision, with the responsibility of the ruling party." Specific dates include candidate registration for party leader and Supreme Council members on the 16th and 17th, the preliminary primary on July 20, and a three-week nationwide tour primary beginning Aug. 1.
Regarding reports that other primary candidates objected to the Chungcheong region—including South Chungcheong, the hometown of former party leader Jung Chung-rae—being included as the first stop in the nationwide tour primary schedule, Kang said, "There were 'opinions,' not 'disagreements.'" He added, "We are discussing it. The Convention Preparation Committee and the Supreme Council will coordinate well and come up with a reasonable plan."
