[Editorial] Semiconductor Industrial Complex: Prioritize Yongin Before Gwangju's Sprint

The government and the ruling party are accelerating the establishment of the Honam semiconductor cluster. President Lee Jae-myung instructed the Ministry of National Defense at the second joint public-private mega-project inspection meeting on the 10th to temporarily relocate Gwangji base functions to another military airport by mid-2028, enabling early utilization of the semiconductor industrial complex. The government has set targets for the first completion of a semiconductor fab at the Gwangju military airport site by 2029 and Yangsan by 2030.

Meanwhile, the Yongin semiconductor cluster appears to be relegated to a lower priority regarding power supply, water supply, road construction, and permitting schedules. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have formulated massive investment plans based on the premise of promptly advancing the Yongin project. Yongin is already an integrated hub for companies and suppliers verified in the global memory semiconductor supply chain, along with R&D personnel and production bases. Gwangju aside, Yongin must be operational on schedule as planned.

In this regard, it is fortunate that the ruling party's Mega-Project Special Committee visited the Yongin site to inspect power and water supply networks and transportation infrastructure. Obstacles related to permitting and infrastructure faced by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix must be resolved swiftly. A special exception for 52-hour workweeks for highly skilled R&D personnel also requires proactive decision-making from the government.

The government is hesitating in its judgment, mindful of labor unions' reactions. A senior official at Cheong Wa Dae stated, "Labor unions are strongly opposing this," adding that the issue can only be resolved when the local area and labor unions discuss it together and obtain consent from local residents or labor unions.

Such an approach could backfire on the Gwangju semiconductor plant. The Gwangju plant cannot operate through new hiring alone. Skilled personnel from existing hubs such as Giheung, Hwaseong, Pyeongtaek, and Yongin must be relocated, which is difficult to resolve without sufficient consultation with unions and workers. Already, Samsung Electronics' largest union opposes the Honam semiconductor investment plan.

The government and the ruling party should prioritize permitting and infrastructure development for the Yongin semiconductor cluster and spare no effort in supporting its early operation. They must also reach a conclusion on improving reasonable working hours for semiconductor R&D personnel. The Gwangju semiconductor plant should not be rushed to meet political deadlines; instead, it must be advanced after thoroughly preparing land, power, water, and human resources. This is the path that will benefit Honam, the capital region, and ultimately Korea's entire semiconductor industry.