Ruling party slams 'state intervention' in Honam semiconductor plant decision

South Korea's ruling People Power Party has strongly criticized the government's anticipated announcement of a semiconductor factory in the Honam region, labeling it as "coercive decision-making driven by state-led intervention" rather than a result of corporate autonomy. The party's floor leader, Jeong Jin-suk, argued that the decision lacks transparency, fairness, and objectivity, questioning the basis for selecting the Honam region as the optimal location for a multi-trillion-won semiconductor investment. He asserted that if CEOs made decisions based on public officials' persuasion or requests, it constitutes an abuse of power or administrative guidance, which the government's explanation attempts to downplay. Jeong stated that the simultaneous announcement of large-scale investment plans by competing companies in the same location suggests the decision was not driven by independent corporate judgment. Supreme Council member Shin Dong-wook further questioned the rationale behind choosing Honam, demanding an explanation from the presidential office's policy chief. Shin suggested that a parliamentary investigation is necessary to scrutinize the government's involvement in this investment decision, particularly raising concerns about water shortages in the region, which he believes could lead to legal repercussions for President Lee Jae-myung.

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The reason for the controversy over the Gwangju-Jeonnam cluster is precisely because of transparency, fairness, and objectivity.