[뉴스UP] 정치권, 뜨거운 '호남' 논쟁...'반도체 클러스터·민주 전대' 설왕설래 / YTN

■ Host: Anchor Lee Se-na ■ Guests: Yeo Seon-woong, Deputy Spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea; Shin Joo-ho, Deputy Spokesperson for the People Power Party The text below may differ from the actual broadcast content. Please refer to the broadcast for more accurate information. When quoting, please specify [YTN NewsUP]. [Anchor] Political interest in the Honam region is intense. Preliminary candidates for the Democratic Party leadership are visiting the region one after another. Political disputes surrounding the location of the semiconductor cluster in Honam are also intensifying. Let's examine current political issues, including these related matters. We are joined by Yeo Seon-woong, Deputy Spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, and Shin Joo-ho, Deputy Spokesperson for the People Power Party. There is talk of the semiconductor cluster moving to Honam; do you think it is just around the corner or if it is becoming more concrete? [Yeo Seon-woong] We cannot definitively confirm it is Honam, but it seems that two regions are being mentioned: Chungcheong and Honam. Regarding the establishment of the semiconductor cluster, it is said that a fundamental principle must be established. What is this fundamental principle? First, it means that companies make their own investment decisions in accordance with market principles. Second, there is speed. Just the other day, a U.S. semiconductor company that competes on equal footing with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix announced its earnings. Watching the announcement, predictions poured in that the AI ​​industry ecosystem and the semiconductor ecosystem will last for a very long time. Their profit margins are as high as 85%. Therefore, companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix do not have time to fight domestically. Since they are competing globally with world-class companies, I believe that if they fight amongst themselves over regional differences—whether it be TK, Honam, or Chungcheong—they will miss their timing. In any case, I think the political sphere and the public should keep these two principles in mind when providing support. [Anchor] President Lee Jae-myung is reported to have met with Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, following his meeting with SK Chairman Choi Tae-won. It is thought that this is also related to the semiconductor trip to Honam. The People Power Party has strongly criticized the rumors regarding Samsung Hynix's trip to Honam. What is your position? [Shin Ju-ho] The point is that it is unclear what decision-making process led to the decision to build new factories in the Honam region. For instance, Blue House Spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung stated that she could not disclose details regarding President Lee Jae-myung’s meetings with corporate chairmen because they were private events. Consequently, the public remains unaware of the specific conversations that took place. Didn't the ruling party consistently make strong arguments for reforming corporate governance? Despite this, the fact that the decision to locate in the Honam region was made after one-on-one meetings with business owners makes it difficult to avoid criticism that this constitutes a form of state-controlled economy. Furthermore, there is widespread public skepticism regarding whether the Honam region is truly suitable for these factories. Factory sites should be selected after comprehensively considering factors such as electricity, water, and manpower. While the Honam region has abundant electricity, it relies heavily on solar power; consequently, while it secures a significant amount of power during the day, it faces a crisis where demand drops exponentially at night. Nevertheless, if President Lee Jae-myung and the Blue House fail to clearly explain to the public the specific method by which they intend to relocate Samsung Electronics to the Honam region, it appears difficult for them to avoid criticism regarding state-controlled economy and the infringement of corporate autonomy. [Anchor] Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon also criticized the decision on the location of the semiconductor factory, stating that it should not be used as ammunition for the Ming-Qing War. What is the Democratic Party's stance on these voices? [Yeo Seon-woong] As I mentioned earlier, the biggest principle is... (omitted) YTN Lee Kang-moon ([email protected]) ▶ Original Article : https://www.ytn.co.kr/_ln/0101_202606... ▶ Send a Tip : https://mj.ytn.co.kr/mj/mj_write.php ▣ Subscribe to YTN YouTube Channel : http://goo.gl/Ytb5SZ ⓒ YTN Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, and use of AI data are prohibited