South Korean President refutes water shortage claims for Honam semiconductor investments

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has strongly refuted concerns raised by conservative media regarding a potential water shortage for major semiconductor investments in the Honam region. Responding to a Chosun Ilbo article questioning the government's water supply plans, Lee asserted on X (formerly Twitter) that supplying 1 million tons of industrial water daily is feasible.

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It is possible to supply 1 million tons of industrial water per day.

Lee argued that global semiconductor giants like Samsung and Hynix would not consider establishing large-scale factories in areas lacking essential resources like water. He emphasized that Honam possesses sufficient water resources, comparable to the Yeongnam and Seoul metropolitan areas. The president suggested that past management practices, focused on fulfilling agricultural needs due to decades of political division, have left water resources underutilized for industrial development.

"We have only neglected water resources to meet the needs of agricultural water supply," Lee stated, adding that with appropriate management systems and resource allocation, the required industrial water supply is achievable. He also noted that the government does not encourage factory construction in water-scarce regions. Lee appealed for understanding and cooperation on policies for balanced national development and nationwide coexistence, framing the issue as vital for South Korea's future.

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World-class semiconductor companies Samsung and Hynix are not so foolish as to consider building mega-factories in areas lacking essential water resources for semiconductor production.

His remarks come as plans for large-scale semiconductor facility investments in the Honam region are expected to be announced soon. Critics from the People Power Party and conservative media have labeled these plans as politically motivated, aimed at appeasing voters before a party convention. In a separate post shortly after, Lee alluded to this criticism, writing, "Those who see the Buddha see Buddhas, and those who see pigs see pigs. People often think others think and act as they do."

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We have only neglected water resources to meet the needs of agricultural water supply.

Cheong Wa Dae Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom also supported Lee's stance, stating on Facebook that sufficient water resources are available through dam reserves, unused water allocations, agricultural facilities, and recycled wastewater. The government appears determined to push forward with the investments, emphasizing the strategic importance of the semiconductor industry for the nation's economic future.

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Those who see the Buddha see Buddhas, and those who see pigs see pigs. People often think others think and act as they do.