President Lee Addresses Water Shortage Concerns for Honam Semiconductor Hub
President Lee has strongly refuted claims of insufficient water supply for semiconductor manufacturing facilities planned for the Honam region. The concerns were raised in relation to significant investments by major corporations like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.
Ample Water Capacity for Industrial Needs
In a statement made via X (formerly Twitter) on the 27th, President Lee asserted that the Honam region possesses abundant water resources, comparable to those available in the Yeongnam or Seoul metropolitan areas. He highlighted that with the establishment of appropriate management systems and the strategic allocation of resources, the region is capable of supplying up to one million tons of industrial water daily.
Critique of Past Resource Management
President Lee further elaborated on the historical management of water resources in Honam, suggesting that decades of political objectives led to the region’s water resources being neglected, treating it more like an agricultural area. He deemed it illogical for major companies like Samsung and Hynix to plan large-scale factory constructions in areas supposedly lacking essential water, especially when these resources are critical for semiconductor production.
Call for National Cooperation
Concluding his remarks, President Lee urged for cooperation, emphasizing that the development of the Honam region and the nationwide prosperity and coexistence policy are matters of national importance that transcend political viewpoints. He requested support for these initiatives.
Contextualizing the President’s Statement
The President’s statements are interpreted as a response to criticisms from opposition parties, including the People Power Party, which have accused the government of pushing for the construction of semiconductor plants in Honam for political gain, despite potential water shortages.
A source from the presidential office characterized President Lee’s social media post as a statement of principle.
Shortly after his initial post, President Lee shared another message on X, reflecting on human perception: “You see a Buddha in the eyes of a Buddha, and a pig in the eyes of a pig.” He added, “Many times, we think others will think and act the same way we do.”
