Candidates Shun Questions on Yongin Semiconductor Complex, Power Lines

A significant number of candidates running for provincial governor and metropolitan mayor positions have refused to state their stance on the controversial Yongin semiconductor complex and the construction of high-voltage power lines. This silence from major party candidates in key regions has drawn criticism from civic and environmental groups.

The "National Action for Reconsideration of the Yongin Semiconductor National Industrial Complex and Opposition to Power Line Construction" surveyed 20 candidates across six affected regions: Jeonnam/Gwangju, Jeonbuk, Daejeon, Chungnam, Chungbuk, and Gyeonggi. Key questions focused on re-evaluating the Yongin complex, relocating the semiconductor factory's energy source, improving the power line selection committee, and establishing a social dialogue body.

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If the Lee Jae-myung government insists on 'communication-less administration' regarding this issue, it will face a massive regional solidarity struggle.

While candidates in Chungnam and Jeonbuk largely offered support for the proposals, candidates in Gyeonggi, Chungbuk, Daejeon, and Jeonnam/Gwangju, including prominent figures from the Democratic Party and the People Power Party, either refused to answer or provided vague responses. This reluctance is attributed to the sensitive nature of the semiconductor and power line issues in their respective areas.

In response, the coalition of over 100 civic and environmental groups is demanding a comprehensive review of the Yongin semiconductor complex and policies expanding power demand in the Seoul metropolitan area. They also call for minimizing new power line construction, reforming the selection process for power line sites, and establishing a social dialogue mechanism to address the conflict. The groups plan to continue their scrutiny, including monitoring campaign promises after the local elections.

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I suspect there might be an internal directive for Democratic Party candidates not to create controversy over the Yongin complex or power lines. The fact that major party candidates in Jeonnam/Gwangju, Chungbuk, Daejeon, and Gyeonggi all refused to answer is disqualifying for candidates.