Ruling party lawmakers from Daegu-Gyeongbuk protest Gwangju semiconductor cluster plan, citing regional conflict

A group of ruling party lawmakers from the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region has voiced strong opposition to the government's plan to create a second national semiconductor cluster in the Gwangju-Jeonnam region. They argue that such decisions should be based on market and competitive factors, not political maneuvering.

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National balanced development is absolutely necessary. However, industrial policy should not be swayed by political logic under the guise of national balanced development.

"National balanced development is absolutely necessary," said Lee In-sun, a lawmaker and the Daegu City Party Chairman, at a press conference. "However, industrial policy should not be swayed by political logic under the guise of national balanced development." The lawmakers emphasized that the semiconductor industry, crucial for South Korea's future, relies on factors like workforce, power, water, R&D capabilities, supply chains, logistics, and corporate ecosystems – all determined by economic performance and industrial logic.

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The semiconductor industry's competitiveness must be determined by thorough economic performance and industrial logic, not political considerations.

While stating they do not oppose Gwangju's development, the legislators reiterated that regional growth must be founded on industrial competitiveness. They highlighted Daegu-Gyeongbuk's existing strengths as a hub for semiconductor materials, parts, and equipment, along with its industrial infrastructure centered around the Gumi National Industrial Complex. The group called for public disclosure of all policy decisions related to the semiconductor cluster, a ban on political influence in corporate investment choices, and a commitment to pursuing national strategic industries based on competitiveness and economic viability.

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We do not oppose Gwangju's development. The problem is that regional development must be based on industrial competitiveness, not political choice.

Lee suggested the timing of the Gwangju cluster push, following election losses for the ruling party in Daegu-Gyeongbuk and ahead of a major opposition party convention, indicates political intent. "There is a clear intention behind pushing this forward," Lee stated, vowing strong opposition. Other lawmakers echoed this sentiment, with Lee Man-hee calling it "discriminatory" and Lee Jin-sook labeling it "the second round of regional conflict in Lee Jae-myung's Korea."

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There is a clear intention behind pushing this forward, given that the ruling party candidates lost in Daegu-Gyeongbuk and the opposition party's national convention is approaching.