Yongin’s Semiconductor Hub: Why the National Policy Must Stay Firm Amid Controversy

On February 10th, Yongin City Mayor Lee Sang-il declared, “The National Industrial Complex for Advanced System Semiconductors in Yongin’s Cheoin District, encompassing I-dong and Namsa towns, has been officially selected by the government and its establishment plan approved.” He emphasized, “Even though this decision was made by the previous administration, it’s a project confirmed and promoted as national policy, so consistency must be maintained.”

Mayor Lee firmly pushed back against the resurfacing debate over relocating the semiconductor industrial complex.

Through his social media, he expressed concern, stating, “The controversy surrounding the relocation of the National Industrial Complex for Advanced System Semiconductors in I-dong and Namsa has reemerged. We’re detecting efforts from within the Prime Minister’s Office to reassess the ‘feasibility’ of this industrial complex.”

He sharply criticized the idea of revisiting the feasibility of a project already approved by the government and validated by the courts, stressing its procedural and legal legitimacy.

Mayor Lee warned, “If the public perceives that national policies flip-flop with each new administration, it will severely damage our national prestige, credibility, and interests.”

He specifically called out the government’s ambiguous stance during the President’s New Year press conference on January 21.

“While the President stated that the government couldn’t overturn established policies, he failed to clearly commit to ensuring power and water supply for the Yongin semiconductor industrial complex,” Mayor Lee noted.

He added, “The President mentioned transmission conflicts and drought concerns but didn’t confirm that the government would follow through on existing power and water supply plans. Shifting responsibility for these issues to local authorities or civil society is a dereliction of duty.”

Mayor Lee highlighted the significant progress already made on the Yongin semiconductor industrial complex.

“On December 19 last year, Samsung Electronics signed a contract with the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH), the project implementer. Compensation began on December 22, with the current rate approaching 40%,” he explained. “Moreover, on January 15, the Seoul Administrative Court dismissed all lawsuits filed by environmental groups challenging the industrial complex plan, reaffirming its procedural and legal validity.”

The inclusion of a ‘Feasibility Review of the Yongin Semiconductor National Industrial Complex’ in the agenda for a ‘Policy Discussion Forum with Citizens’ organized by the Prime Minister’s Office sparked strong opposition from Yongin residents and the broader industry.

Mayor Lee commented, “I can’t help but suspect an intention to undermine the national industrial complex and stir up opposition by exploiting so-called ‘plaza citizens’ who don’t fully grasp the semiconductor industry’s characteristics and national strategic importance.” He cautioned, “Prioritizing political agendas over judicial decisions sets a dangerous precedent.”

Despite talks of potentially removing this topic from the forum agenda as controversy grew, Mayor Lee viewed such a move as “potentially just a temporary smokescreen.”

Reports have already indicated that the ‘Social Reform Committee,’ a Prime Minister’s advisory body launched last December, plans to address the Yongin semiconductor industrial complex issue as a key agenda item and promote public discourse through regional town hall meetings.

Mayor Lee warned, “The Prime Minister’s press release explicitly states that opinions gathered through the Civil Society Office will be forwarded to the Social Reform Committee for policy development. This suggests the possibility of destabilizing the national industrial complex under the guise of a ‘feasibility review’ remains open.”

He asserted, “The idea of relocating the semiconductor national industrial complex is neither feasible nor acceptable. The Yongin Advanced System Semiconductor National Industrial Complex represents the future of Korea’s semiconductor industry and is crucial to national competitiveness. It must not become a political pawn.”

In conclusion, Mayor Lee stated, “What we need now is not ambiguous public discourse, but a clear commitment from the government to responsibly plan and execute all infrastructure, including power and water supply.” He emphasized, “The public must closely monitor the ‘Social Reform Committee’ to prevent any harm to the semiconductor industry or the nation. We need the vigilance, resolve, and unity of informed citizens and Yongin residents.”

For more information, contact reporter Song In-ho at sih31@ekn.kr