President Lee Holds 'Semiconductor Investment' Briefing in Gwangju: "Honam Investment Based on Economic Principles"

[Anchor]

President Lee Jae-myung, who announced investment plans for three major mega-projects including semiconductors and AI yesterday (June 29), visited Gwangju today, where a semiconductor plant will be built, to hold a public briefing. President Lee emphasized the necessity of investment in the Honam region, stating that the large-scale investment is based on economic principles.

Reporter Kang Cheongwan has the story.

[Reporter]

Following yesterday's public briefing on the three major mega-projects, the "National Briefing on the Development Vision for High-Tech Industries in the Southwest Region" was held this afternoon in Gwangju.

Specific plans were announced to build a semiconductor complex, an AI data center, and a packaging plant with a total investment of 896 trillion won, including approximately 470 trillion won from SK, 425 trillion won from Samsung, and 1 trillion won from Amkor. The government responded by announcing the "Southwest Region High-Tech Industry Promotion Strategy," promising to shorten the industrial complex construction period to within five years and ensure the supply of water and electricity.

President Lee Jae-myung stated that the companies' large-scale investment in the Honam region is based on economic principles such as electricity, water supply, and land prices.

He also described this investment announcement as the most rewarding achievement since his inauguration and promised full-scale support.

[President Lee Jae-myung: The government will do its utmost to provide financial support, build infrastructure, and improve living, educational, cultural, and health conditions.]

President Lee also promised to personally oversee semiconductor investments by chairing the "Special Committee for Strengthening Semiconductor Industry Competitiveness," which will be launched alongside the implementation of the "Semiconductor Special Act" this coming August.

Earlier today, during a cabinet meeting presided over at the Blue House, President Lee refuted claims of "regional discrimination" surrounding the semiconductor-related investments in the Honam region as follows:

[President Lee Jae-myung: It is true that the investment in the Honam region is somewhat large when looking at this issue alone. However, if you compare the historically accumulated investment amounts, it is merely a drop in the bucket.]

President Lee will continue the series of national briefing events on the development vision for high-tech industries in the Chungcheong and Yeongnam regions in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, the day after tomorrow, and in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, on July 3.

(Video coverage: Jung Sang-bo, Yoon Hyung | Video editing: Lee Seung-hee)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.