Lee: 'Regional discrimination' claims on Honam investment ignore historical context

President Lee Jae-myung on March 30 defended the government's new semiconductor complex project in the Honam region, addressing accusations of regional favoritism. He stated that while current investments in Honam might seem substantial, they are minuscule when compared to historical cumulative investments.

Lee made these remarks during a State Council meeting, emphasizing that the "3 Mega Projects for Korea's Great Leap Forward" announced the previous day are key to overcoming the "Level 1 system of the Seoul metropolitan area" that creates inequality and exclusion. He asserted the projects will usher in an era of "growth for all" where the entire nation can enjoy equal growth opportunities.

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Some people are mentioning regional discrimination in relation to this, but looking at the current situation alone, it is true that investments in the Honam region are a bit larger. However, please understand that when comparing historical cumulative investments, it is truly a drop in the bucket.

"It is a clear fact that there has been discrimination between Yeongnam and Honam in the past," Lee acknowledged. "However, it was difficult to correct that forcibly. Fortunately, this new environment provides an opportunity to mitigate that imbalance, even if only slightly." He added, "Some people are mentioning regional discrimination in relation to this, but looking at the current situation alone, it is true that investments in the Honam region are a bit larger. However, please understand that when comparing historical cumulative investments, it is truly a drop in the bucket."

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It is a clear fact that there has been discrimination between Yeongnam and Honam in the past. However, it was difficult to correct that forcibly. Fortunately, this new environment provides an opportunity to mitigate that imbalance, even if only slightly.

The president concluded by calling the outcome a "fortunate result for the future of Korea and national development." The previous day, Lee had officially announced the new Honam semiconductor complex, a key component of the mega projects. This initiative involves Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix investing a total of 800 trillion won to establish a "second production base" in the region.

Lee had previously stated on his X account that "Korea's development history is a history of brilliant achievements, but also a process of accumulating severe imbalances and discrimination." He urged for "passionate discussion on the Honam semiconductor site, but please cooperate if there is a rational basis, and refrain from political regional division or inciting regional conflict for political purposes."

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Korea's development history is a history of brilliant achievements, but also a process of accumulating severe imbalances and discrimination. Please cooperate if there is a rational basis, and refrain from political regional division or inciting regional conflict for political purposes.