South Korea’s President Lee outlines massive regional investment plan

President Lee Jae‑myung told senior aides on 25 May that the government will pursue a “strategic industry multipolarisation” by directing large‑scale investment in advanced core sectors to the regions of Yeongnam, Chungcheong, Gangwon, Jeju and Honam. He said the move is essential to break the capital‑centric development pattern and to create a win‑win growth era for both Seoul and the provinces.

Lee announced that a detailed blueprint will be presented to the public soon, and that a joint public‑private meeting on 29 May chaired by the president will feature Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix unveiling their plans for semiconductor and related AI‑data‑center investments outside the metropolitan area. The president also pledged to accelerate legislative reforms that will give greater fiscal and infrastructural opportunities to historically neglected regions.

The policy push is framed as part of Lee’s broader national agenda, which includes reforms to the tax base, real‑estate levy, labor and pension systems, and a continued focus on improving citizens’ livelihoods.