President Lee Jae-myung presided over a public-private joint inspection meeting at the Blue House today (July 6), just one week after announcing the 'three major mega projects,' and called for a 'speed war' in their implementation.

In his opening remarks at the 'Mega Project Public-Private Joint Inspection Meeting' held at the Chungmu Hall of the Blue House this morning, President Lee emphasized, "We are in a fierce competition that will determine the fate of our nation, and in such a situation, the outcome depends on who is faster. It is, quite literally, a matter of speed."

"We will promptly form a dedicated team within the Blue House to handle these mega projects," President Lee promised. "The government will do everything in its power. As we have seen a significant surplus in tax revenue from the semiconductor industry, we will provide all necessary support, including financial assistance."

He further stressed, "Today, we must organize the implementation system and discuss and finalize the specific site selections. I ask those from the corporate sector to stop worrying about formalities or speaking in abstract terms; please tell us exactly what is needed. To achieve historical tasks, we must approach them clearly rather than vaguely to ensure progress."

He also ordered, "The government must proactively resolve all anticipated obstacles so that companies can focus solely on investment and field operations. There must never be a case where investment or execution is delayed due to administrative procedures."

In this regard, he mentioned, "In the case of the Yongin industrial complex, even though it was considered fast, it took six years from site confirmation to the start of construction. By my standards, that does not seem fast."

President Lee emphasized, "Since delays in compensation lead to further time loss, we must ensure such things do not happen. While environmental impact assessments are necessary, if there is one already conducted for the same area, is it really necessary to do it again? It is important to utilize existing results."

He continued, "It is common practice to carry out administrative procedures sequentially—A, then B, C, and D—but I would like us to pursue all procedures in parallel as long as it is not illegal."

Specifically, he cited an example, "If there is 'land hoarding' during the land acquisition process, negotiations take a long time. We can start the negotiation-based acquisition and compulsory acquisition procedures simultaneously. That is the original intent of the law."

He added, "For electricity and water supply as well, we should secure them proactively without waiting for other issues to be resolved."

President Lee also noted, "As local governments are responsible for a significant portion of permits and approvals, their commitment is crucial. I am very grateful that the Jeonnam-Gwangju Metropolitan Council enacted an ordinance for semiconductor investment companies as its first piece of legislation."

Furthermore, President Lee actively refuted criticisms regarding the feasibility of the 'three major mega projects' coming from the conservative opposition.

"Some people, assuming the projects are feasible, protested by asking 'Why was our region left out?', while others claim it is a 'scam' or an 'impossible event.' I do not understand," President Lee asked. "Is it right for public officials entrusted with managing the nation's affairs to take such an attitude?"

He pointed out, "I wish they would choose one—either criticize based on the assumption that it is impossible, or point out imbalances based on the assumption that it is possible. Even if they cannot provide maximum cooperation in creating new opportunities for struggling young people, I hope they do not significantly hinder the process."

The meeting was attended by Blue House staff including Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom, and National Security Office Chief Wi Sung-rak, as well as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yoon-cheol, Minister of Industry and Trade Kim Jung-kwan, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yun-duk, Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment Kim Sung-hwan, Minister of Education Choi Gyo-jin, Minister of Planning and Budget Park Hong-keun, and Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-baek.

Representing the corporate sector were Samsung Electronics President Kim Yong-kwan and SK Hynix CEO Kwak Noh-jung.

A key official from the Blue House told SBS, "We are planning to hold the mega project public-private joint inspection meeting on a monthly basis to increase the speed of project implementation through rapid feedback."

(Photo: Yonhap News)