[Anchor]

President Lee Jae-myung has posted a series of messages over the weekend refuting controversy surrounding the semiconductor investments by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix in the Honam region. Today, June 29, the President will hold a national briefing at the Blue House to announce the three major mega projects, which include these investment plans and large-scale regional development initiatives.

Reporter Kang Min-u has the story.

[Reporter]

President Lee Jae-myung will preside over the "National Briefing on the Three Major Mega Projects for Korea's Great Leap Forward" this afternoon, June 29, at the Yeongbingwan (State Guest House) of the Blue House, with representatives from government ministries and some 60 companies, including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, in attendance.

Large-scale regional investment plans, including the "Honam Semiconductor Cluster," are set to be announced. The President is also expected to unveil a plan to appoint dedicated officials at the Blue House to support these three projects and the participating companies.

Over the weekend, President Lee took to social media to post seven messages regarding the plan to build a massive semiconductor cluster in the Honam region, engaging in a public opinion campaign.

The President described this investment plan as a "historic achievement of unprecedented, large-scale regional investment attraction."

Addressing the conservative opposition party, which criticized the move as potentially forcing companies to invest in the Honam region, the President retorted that those who used to abuse state policy for political purposes and twist the arms of businesses might perceive it that way. He urged them not to slander others by assuming they would act the same way based on their own past behaviors and experiences.

The People Power Party hit back, asking if the President views even legitimate concerns as political smears, and added the following regarding the Honam location:

[Kim Tae-kyu / Chief Spokesperson of the People Power Party: The government is using corporate money to make investments for a specific region and a specific support base. It is buying votes with someone else's money...]

In response, President Lee countered that this is not special treatment for a specific region, but the implementation of a national cause to achieve balanced national development and alleviate conflicts between the Yeongnam and Honam regions. He added a request to refrain from inciting regional conflict.

(Video coverage: Ha Ryung | Video editing: Jang Hyun-ki | Design: Kang Yun-jeong, Im Chan-hyuk)