Yang Hyang-ja Accepts Chairmanship of the Democratic Party Semiconductor Special Committee... "Open to Participation Regardless of Political Faction"

Semiconductor Expert and Former Samsung Electronics Executive
"The Ruling Party's Special Committee Chairmanship Is So Crucial It Should Be Entrusted to an Opposition Member"

Yang Hyang-ja Independent Lawmaker / Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] Independent lawmaker Yang Hyang-ja, formerly of the Democratic Party of Korea, has agreed to lead the Special Committee on the Semiconductor Industry proposed by the People Power Party.

On the 26th, Yang stated on her Facebook, "I proposed a bipartisan special committee on semiconductors at the National Assembly level, and received a promise to establish the committee immediately upon the opening of the National Assembly," adding, "Trusting the People Power Party's promise and determination, I accept the position of chairperson of the Semiconductor Special Committee."

Yang continued, "Semiconductors are both an economic and security issue. There is no division by party or ideology," emphasizing, "Our country's semiconductor industry stands at a crossroads between leap forward and decline. It is so critical that, for the first time in constitutional history, the ruling party must entrust the chairmanship of a special committee to an opposition member. It is urgent to the point that we can no longer wait."

She also said, "I will make it an open special committee where anyone can participate regardless of political affiliation. It will be a platform for anyone concerned about the future of Korea's semiconductor industry, beyond party and ideology," and added, "I will focus solely on protecting and fostering the semiconductor industry without belonging to or joining any specific party. I will undertake this role with the heavy responsibility that the success of the Semiconductor Special Committee will determine Korea's future."

Furthermore, she expressed her determination, saying, "I will pour all the experience and expertise I have accumulated over 30 years in the semiconductor field," and "I will present a new milestone for Korea's semiconductor industry."

The People Power Party has been working on forming the Semiconductor Special Committee since early this month, following President Yoon Suk-yeol's emphasis on nurturing semiconductor talent. During this process, the People Power Party offered Yang the chairperson position.

Yang is an expert in the semiconductor field and a former executive at Samsung Electronics. She entered the National Assembly through the Democratic Party's nomination but was expelled from the party due to allegations related to sexual misconduct by her aides. She later attempted to rejoin the Democratic Party but withdrew after publicly criticizing the party's "Geomsu Wanbak" (complete removal of prosecutorial investigation rights) legislation.