Learning from Taiwan's Semiconductor Hub! President Lee Jae-myung Invests Heavily in 'Korean Version of Hsinchu Science Park': Speed Race with Lightning Strategy

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has committed 800 trillion KRW (approximately 18 trillion New Taiwan dollars) to a national-level semiconductor and AI investment initiative, the 'Mega Project.' Inspired by Taiwan's semiconductor cluster model, the plan designates Gwangju's military airfield as the future site of an industrial complex. President Lee held the second inspection meeting today (the 10th), emphasizing that this is no longer just a 'race of speed,' but must be a 'lightning war'—progressing at a pace comparable to Japan's Kumamoto semiconductor development.

The South Korean government's 'Mega Project' aims to expand the deployment of cutting-edge industries such as semiconductors and AI from the capital region to three major regions: Honam, Chungcheong, and Yeongnam. During the meeting, President Lee stated that the ultimate goal of the Mega Project is to extend growth axes across the entire nation and rewrite the industrial landscape with local regions at the center.

Lee emphasized the need to simultaneously and in parallel advance related procedures to drastically shorten timelines, stating, 'This is not merely a speed war, but a lightning war that must be fought.' The top priority now is securing land and infrastructure, focusing on the three regions—Honam, Yeongnam, and Chungcheong. The Honam semiconductor cluster, in particular, must move forward at a pace rivaling that of Kumamoto, Japan.

President Lee urged the Ministry of National Defense to take measures to temporarily relocate the functions of the Gwangju base to another military airfield by mid-2028, allowing the Gwangju military airfield to be repurposed earlier for semiconductor industrial use. He also stressed the need to prepare electricity and water supply infrastructure in parallel.

Lee also highlighted the importance of preventing a 'K-shaped growth' scenario during the project's implementation, where benefits concentrate in specific companies or regions. He emphasized that national investment and support should not be limited only to the target companies and industries of the three Mega Projects, but must include comprehensive support for the entire industrial ecosystem, including components and equipment.

Additional exclusive reports from Wind Media include: · While TSMC manufactures advanced chips, South Korea remains focused on memory—local media warn the country could become a subcontractor for Taiwan. · Even South Korea's National Pension is being exploited—Bloomberg's column reveals 'Lee Jae-myung's chain of mistakes,' suggesting people may completely abandon the KOSPI. · TSMC's success sparks envy—residents of Longtan, inspired by the economic rise in southern regions, reportedly shifted from opposition to approval, now welcoming the 1.4-nanometer plant.