Former Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae stated on July 8 that South Korea's southwestern semiconductor cluster project must succeed through bipartisan and public-private cooperation. Speaking at a National Assembly policy forum titled 'Policy Discussion for the Success of the Southwestern Semiconductor Cluster,' Jeong described the initiative as a core driver for the nation's future. His remarks followed Samsung Electronics' record-breaking Q2 operating profit and SK Hynix's notable growth in the global semiconductor market. The forum addressed strategies for accelerating the large-scale infrastructure project amid intensifying global chip competition.
Jeong Cheong-rae Calls Semiconductor Cluster National Priority
Jeong Cheong-rae emphasized that the southwestern cluster megaproject represents a critical opportunity for South Korea's economic advancement. "This is a project that must succeed regardless of party affiliation, gender, or age — the nation and businesses must join hands," Jeong stated at the forum. He referenced Samsung Electronics' historic Q2 operating profit performance and SK Hynix's rapid expansion as evidence of South Korean companies leading global markets. Jeong argued that future large-scale projects require coordinated efforts between government institutions and private enterprises.
Former Leader Advocates Government-Business Partnership Model
The former party leader recounted a conversation with SK Hynix Chairman Chey Tae-won about evolving government-business relations. "We discussed how the term 'government-business collusion' carried negative connotations in the past, but now we're entering an era of 'government-business closeness' where both sides support and propel each other forward," Jeong said. He added that the Democratic Party would provide active support to ensure the project proceeds without delays. Speaking to reporters after the forum, Jeong noted preparations were made in anticipation of a potential semiconductor cluster announcement during a future Lee Jae-myung administration.
Jeong Addresses Supplementary Investigation Rights Controversy
Regarding the supplementary investigation rights abolition debate, Jeong called for internal party unity. "I hope there will be no further controversy within the party on this matter," he stated. Jeong referenced the party's established principle of complete separation between investigation and prosecution functions, noting that the government has already announced a full abolition stance. "If differing opinions on supplementary investigation rights abolition are exposed within the party, it could raise doubts about the Democratic Party's core principles or the government's announced full abolition," Jeong said. He urged party members to avoid statements that could create unnecessary misunderstandings.
FAQ
What did Jeong Cheong-rae say about the semiconductor cluster project on July 8?
Jeong Cheong-rae stated at a National Assembly policy forum that the southwestern semiconductor cluster project must succeed through cooperation between political parties, the government, and businesses. He described it as a core driver for South Korea's future and emphasized that the Democratic Party would provide active support to prevent delays.
Why did Jeong Cheong-rae mention SK Hynix Chairman Chey Tae-won?
Jeong recounted a conversation with Chey Tae-won about shifting from "government-business collusion" to "government-business closeness," where both sectors support each other. He used this example to argue that large-scale national projects now require coordinated public-private partnerships rather than adversarial relationships.
