Gyeonggi Governor Opposes Semiconductor Act Decree, Citing Competitiveness Concerns

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon has officially voiced strong concerns and opposition to the government's proposed enforcement decree for the Semiconductor Special Act, arguing it is fundamentally flawed.

Kim specifically criticized a clause in the decree that designates semiconductor clusters as requiring locations outside the Seoul metropolitan area. He submitted an official letter of opposition to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, emphasizing the critical importance of a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem, from design and production to materials, components, equipment, and talent.

“

Now is the time to go all out and seize the golden time for 'K-semiconductor'.

"Now is the time to go all out and seize the golden time for 'K-semiconductor'," Kim stated, highlighting speed as the most crucial factor in the global semiconductor competition. He argued that swiftly designating the Gyeonggi Province cluster, which he described as the most competitive and irreplaceable, is the path to victory in this global race.

“

Balanced development should foster industries tailored to regional characteristics, rather than creating a zero-sum competition between regions.

While advocating for balanced national development, Kim believes the exclusion of the Seoul metropolitan area is the wrong approach. He suggested that balanced development should foster industries tailored to regional characteristics, rather than creating a zero-sum competition between regions. Kim proposed a "plus-sum" model where non-metropolitan areas receive preferential treatment for their unique industries, while Gyeonggi's semiconductor cluster receives support for strengthening its competitiveness as planned.

Kim stressed that semiconductor clusters are long-term endeavors spanning 30 to 50 years. He urged that domestic and foreign companies that have invested based on government promises should not be shaken by policy changes, and their investment decisions must be respected. He concluded by vowing that Gyeonggi Province, which initiated the Semiconductor Special Act and actively supported its passage, will protect the Korean semiconductor industry without wavering.

“

Gyeonggi Province will protect the Korean semiconductor industry without wavering.