‘Why must we become a power colony for the Seoul metropolitan area?’: Growing opposition to Yongin semiconductor complex

Protests erupted in Yongin City, South Korea, as civic groups demanded the cancellation of a national industrial complex designated for semiconductor production and the halting of associated ultra-high-voltage power line construction. Demonstrators gathered in front of Yongin City Hall, voicing strong opposition to what they describe as the exploitation of non-capital regions to fuel the capital area's industrial growth.

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Why must we become a 'power colony' for the Seoul metropolitan area? Why must national residents be sacrificed for the electricity needed in Yongin?

"Why must we become a 'power colony' for the Seoul metropolitan area?" asked Ahn Jae-hoon, executive committee member of the national action group advocating for the review of the Yongin semiconductor complex and opposition to ultra-high-voltage transmission towers. He stated that residents across the country, from Jeonnam to Chungbuk, shared this sentiment during his 20-day cross-country march. The groups argue that the government's plan forces sacrifices from residents in regions outside the capital to ensure power and water supply for semiconductor industries in the Seoul area.

Concerns extend beyond energy supply. Protesters questioned the necessity of long-distance transmission lines, urging verification of alternative solutions. They criticized the government's approach, suggesting that issues like reducing the number of transmission towers or burying them underground, along with increased resident support, were superficial fixes. "For the profits of Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, why must local residents sacrifice their property, environment, and homes?" Ahn questioned.

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The government talks as if the problem will be solved by reducing the number of transmission towers, burying them underground, and increasing resident support, but residents say we must first verify if long-distance transmission lines are truly the best option.

Environmental and labor rights were also central to the protest. One speaker highlighted the contradiction of pursuing such projects amid a climate crisis, emphasizing that corporate economic benefits should not come at the cost of local communities. The labor union criticized the semiconductor industry's rapid expansion, citing extreme working conditions and industrial accident risks, and expressed concern that labor regulations were being relaxed without proper assessment of the workforce supporting the industry.

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Why must local residents sacrifice their property, environment, and homes for the profits of Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix?

The groups are demanding the complete withdrawal of the Yongin semiconductor complex, the cancellation of the court's approval for the project, and an immediate halt to Samsung Electronics' pursuit of the complex. They plan to continue their campaign with a march to Samsung Electronics' headquarters in Seoul.

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Even in the midst of the climate crisis, Korean society is once again talking about the corporate economic benefits based on the sacrifice of local residents. We must reconsider what to choose for the future of the nation and its people, using the review of the Yongin semiconductor complex as an opportunity.