[Anchor]
After announcing a large-scale semiconductor investment in the Honam region, President Lee Jae-myung held a report meeting today (July 2) in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, regarding a 392 trillion won investment plan for the Chungcheong region, covering sectors such as semiconductors and bio-industry. President Lee emphasized the necessity of these investments, stating that the idea that Samsung Electronics made its investment decisions due to pressure on Chairman Lee Jae-yong is an outdated way of thinking and an impossible scenario.
Reporter Kang Cheongwan has the story.
[Reporter]
The large-scale investment project in the Chungcheong region was announced on the 29th of last month as one of the government's "three major mega-projects."
At today's public report meeting held in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, the details of the 392 trillion won investment were unveiled.
Samsung, SK, Celltrion, and others will invest 156 trillion won in semiconductors, 67 trillion won in displays, 17 trillion won in secondary batteries and components, 2 trillion won in the bio-industry, and 150 trillion won in AI data centers.
President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the necessity of the Chungcheong region investment, stating that balanced regional development outside the capital area and a growth strategy centered on local regions have become inevitable.
[President Lee Jae-myung: The negative consequences of concentration in the capital area are so severe that it has become a burden even for business activities. The survival of the nation is now under threat, so...]
Addressing claims of regional discrimination, he stated that the government's role is to support companies so they can establish themselves in the best locations, not to "hand out gifts." He also repeatedly refuted allegations from some quarters that the government is "twisting the arms" of companies to force investments.
[President Lee Jae-myung: There are some who think that perhaps Samsung Electronics made such a decision because I pressured Chairman Lee Jae-yong, but that is an outdated way of thinking and an impossible story.]
President Lee expressed his gratitude, noting that the leap forward for South Korea's high-tech industries is possible thanks to the decisive actions of business leaders, including Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the development of high-tech industries in the Chungcheong region was also signed between the government and the companies.
(Video coverage: Jung Sang-bo, Yoon Hyung | Video editing: Wi Won-yang)
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