Lee Hails Honam Semiconductor Investment as Historic Achievement, Rejects 'Special Favor' Claims

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has lauded the planned semiconductor investment in the Honam region, describing it as a "historic achievement" that warrants praise. He made these remarks in direct response to criticism from the opposition People Power Party, which alleged that the investment was coerced and amounted to preferential treatment for Honam.

President Lee, who has been actively engaging with the public on the issue through social media, emphasized that attracting such a large-scale investment to the region is unprecedented. He is set to preside over the "Republic of Korea's Great Leap Forward: 3 Big Mega Projects National Announcement" ceremony. This event is expected to detail the investment plans for a semiconductor cluster in the Gwangju and Jeonnam areas, including the establishment of advanced fabrication plants (fabs).

The announcement will feature the participation of prominent business leaders, including Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won. Beyond semiconductors, the government plans to unveil policies related to artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and physical AI, presenting these as key components of the nation's future growth strategy.

Lee's proactive stance, including multiple posts on X (formerly Twitter) over the weekend, signals his administration's commitment to promoting balanced regional development. The initiative aims to create a robust semiconductor industry ecosystem in Honam, a move the president believes is crucial for the country's technological advancement and economic prosperity. The government seeks to frame these projects as vital steps towards a national leap forward.