South Korean President Lee defends Honam semiconductor plan as national strategy

President Lee Jae‑myung said the proposal to locate semiconductor and AI data‑center facilities on the South‑west coast is a national survival strategy, not regional favoritism. He highlighted the area’s ample land, water supply and renewable‑energy potential, calling it the "optimal site for advanced industries" and urging opponents to cease politically‑motivated regional conflicts. Lee posted on X, "debate the Honam semiconductor location vigorously, but cooperate if there are rational grounds; do not stir regional division for political purposes," and added that the long‑standing neglect of the region makes such development a crucial opportunity.

Opposition parties and some lawmakers criticised the plan as a policy coercion and an abuse of power, accusing the ruling party of giving preferential treatment to Honam ahead of upcoming elections. Government officials, including Minister Kim Jeong‑gwan, supported the need for a second large‑scale semiconductor cluster to complement the existing capital‑area hub. The announcement comes ahead of a public briefing on the three mega‑projects, where major chipmakers such as Samsung and SK Hynix are expected to detail their investment plans.