Semiconductor Complex Project Faces Significant Delays
Yongin Mayor Sang-il Lee has publicly stated that responsibility for the stalled development of the Samsung Electronics semiconductor complex in Yongin lies with the President, the central government, and the Korea Land & Housing Corporation (LH).
Criticism Over Project Setbacks
In a statement released on the 25th, Mayor Lee asserted that the national industrial complex construction project, intended to support Samsung Electronics, is significantly behind schedule since the current administration’s inauguration. The project, which was initially slated for groundbreaking in June of this year following a bidding process in early 2023, has yet to even issue the bidding invitations by the end of the current month.
Mayor Lee placed blame on what he described as a period of inaction and oversight by the presidential office, the government, and LH. He particularly criticized LH for failing to effectively advocate for the prompt appointment of an LH president and for not pressing for the swift issuance of bidding invitations for the semiconductor complex construction, phases 1 and 2.
“The president must promptly appoint an LH president to ensure the speedy issuance of bidding invitations for the construction of national semiconductor complexes,” Mayor Lee urged.
Citizen Efforts Credited for Project’s Survival
The mayor highlighted that the Yongin national semiconductor complex, for which Samsung Electronics plans to invest 360 trillion won, is proceeding due to the dedicated efforts of Yongin’s citizens. He recalled that attempts by the ruling party to block the establishment of the advanced Yongin system semiconductor complex, which began in December of the previous year, were ultimately thwarted by strong opposition from citizens and the mayor.
Mayor Lee emphasized that the continued investment by Samsung Electronics in the Yongin national complex is a direct result of the local community’s perseverance.
Gratitude and Call for Accelerated Progress
Earlier, on the 24th, Mayor Lee confirmed that senior officials at Samsung Electronics had assured him that there would be no relocation of the Yongin national complex. He extended his gratitude to all individuals who participated in various forms of protest and advocacy, including demonstrations, to protect the Yongin national complex, thereby amplifying the voices of the citizens.
“The successful and complete construction of the Yongin national complex, which I have diligently pursued since taking office as mayor, is crucial not only for the semiconductor industry, a pillar of the national economy, but also for the future of both the nation and Yongin,” Mayor Lee stated. He concluded by calling for relevant government agencies to unite their efforts to accelerate the progress of this vital project.
