A presidential aide disclosed that President Lee expressed a desire to bow deeply to business leaders due to his immense gratitude for their commitments. The aide, Kang Hoon-sik, revealed this on June 29th, stating that the President’s intention to express such profound thanks was ultimately tempered by his staff, who advised against it, leading to a formal handshake instead.
Presidential Gratitude for Mega-Project Commitments
The remarks were made during a briefing following the ‘Korean Grand Blueprint: Three Mega-Projects’ national report meeting. Kang, the presidential secretary for the press, explained that the President was visibly moved by the occasion. The depth of his appreciation stemmed from significant investment pledges made by Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong and SK Group Chairman Choi Tae-won, who committed over 1,000 trillion won in investments, notably in regions outside the Seoul metropolitan area.
Kang elaborated on the President’s sentiment, relaying that he had advised the President against bowing, suggesting it might lead to criticism for the business leaders. “I told him that if he bowed, they might be criticized,” Kang stated. He emphasized that the President’s 90-degree bow, which he did perform, was a genuine expression of his heartfelt thanks.
Earlier in the meeting, President Lee had addressed both Executive Chairman Lee and Chairman Choi, referring to them as “national heroes” or “heroes of the people.” He then offered them a 90-degree bow, a gesture that visibly conveyed his deep appreciation for their contributions and future investments.
Mega-Projects Aim to Drive National Growth
The ‘Korean Grand Blueprint: Three Mega-Projects’ initiative aims to stimulate economic growth through substantial private sector investment in key industrial sectors. The projects focus on semiconductors, physical AI, and data centers, positioning these as pillars for the nation’s future economic strategy.
President Lee highlighted the critical juncture at which the global economy stands, emphasizing that now is the time for decisive action and strategic positioning. He specifically mentioned the burgeoning competition between major global powers, including the United States and China, in the field of artificial intelligence, framing the current era as one of “survival of the fittest” in the AI landscape.
The administration’s strategy involves significant investment in these high-growth sectors. Plans include the establishment of a semiconductor fabrication complex in the southern region, a packaging cluster in the central region, and the construction of AI data centers. These initiatives are expected to foster innovation, create high-value jobs, and solidify South Korea’s position as a leader in advanced technologies.
Industry Leaders’ Commitments
Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong announced plans to develop a new semiconductor complex in the Gwangju region, citing the area’s potential for energy supply, water resources, skilled labor, and infrastructure. This move aligns with the government’s push for rapid development and regional investment.
SK Group Chairman Choi Tae-won also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to investing in AI data centers. The collective investment pledges from these leading conglomerates underscore their confidence in the government’s economic vision and their willingness to partner in driving national technological advancement.
The government has expressed its commitment to supporting these mega-projects through various incentives and policy measures. The aim is to create a robust industrial ecosystem that can compete on a global scale and ensure long-term economic prosperity for the nation.
