[뉴스초점] 삼성·SK, 서남권 800조원 투자…성공 관건은 / 연합뉴스TV (YonhapnewsTV)

[Guests: Kim Kwang-seok, Adjunct Professor at Hanyang University; Park Jae-geun, President of the Semiconductor & Display Technology Society] The government has unveiled three major mega-investment plans centered on the creation of a semiconductor cluster in the Honam region. The plan involves the government establishing infrastructure and an investment environment, while companies support these investments. President Lee Jae-myung visited Gwangju yesterday and emphasized that the Southwest region is already a prepared land, highlighting its suitability for large-scale artificial intelligence investment. With semiconductors serving as a pillar of not only our economy but also the stock market, attention is focused on how this semiconductor investment in the Southwest region will impact the economy. We will discuss these matters with Kim Kwang-seok, Adjunct Professor at Hanyang University, and Park Jae-geun, President of the Semiconductor & Display Technology Society. [Question 1] The government has announced policies for three major mega-projects. The plan is to establish the Honam region as a semiconductor hub and invest approximately 1,500 trillion won in high-tech in regional areas such as Chungcheong and Yeongnam. However, if we combine the additional long-term investment plans disclosed by Samsung and SK Hynix, the total amounts to over 4,700 trillion won. First, let's briefly hear your thoughts on the mega-project announced by the government. [Question 1-1] In Taiwan, regarding Korea's announcement of the mega-project policy, there was a sense of caution stating that the semiconductor competition between Korea and Taiwan would intensify further; however, it was also noted that Korea had benchmarked Taiwan's semiconductor industry development model. What are your thoughts on this? [Question 2] Yesterday, President Lee visited Gwangju and presided over the "National Briefing on the Vision for the Development of Advanced Industries in the Southwest Region." Companies such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix announced plans to invest 800 trillion won in the Southwest region to establish semiconductor facilities and AI data centers. Specifically, where and what facilities will be built? [Question 2-1] Regarding the background of the selection of the Honam region for the construction of the fourth semiconductor fab, President Lee explained that the region had been marginalized in terms of development and described it as the only area capable of resolving issues related to land, water, and electricity. Of the approximately 1,500 trillion won involved in this mega-project, over half—800 trillion won—is being invested in the Honam region. Do you believe the location conditions for semiconductor production plants are indeed well-suited to this extent? [Question 3] When it was announced that semiconductor factories would be built in Honam, some argued that the region was unsuitable as a location because its power infrastructure is centered on renewable energy. They emphasized that a stable power supply is paramount for semiconductor factories and that the intermittency of renewable energy is a problem. What is your view on this? [Question 4] In 2019, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix announced plans to build a semiconductor cluster in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, covering an area 2.4 times the size of Yeouido. However, the project is progressing so slowly that it took a whopping six years just to break ground. First, a semiconductor cluster is already being established in Yongin, and another one is needed in the Honam region as well. Won't it take too long to complete? [Question 4-1] The government is emphasizing the importance of speed for the Southwest Region Project, which will involve an investment of 800 trillion won. The goal is to shorten the construction period for semiconductor factories from up to nine years in the past to three to four years, aiming for completion within President Lee's term. In doing so, they cited the example of the TSMC factory in Kumamoto, Japan, which was built at lightning speed a few years ago. Is this schedule actually feasible? [Question 5] Even if semiconductor factories are built in the Honam region, securing the talent to lead them is a major variable. There is currently talk in the industry that the geographical limit for excellent semiconductor personnel is Pyeongtaek and Icheon in Gyeonggi Province. Cultivating talent is not an easy task in the short term; what are your thoughts on this? [Question 6] According to the government announcement, front-end process fabs will be built in the Honam region, while back-end process factories will be established in Cheonan and Onyang in South Chungcheong Province. At the same time, wafers produced in Gwangju need to be transported to the back-end processing plant. It seems that transportation and logistics networks also need to be established. [Question 7] The government envisions expanding high-tech industries, curr...