[22nd Rising Star] ② 'Galaxy Myth' Ko Dong-jin "The First Bill Will Be the Semiconductor Special Act"

From Regular Employee to CEO... Leading Galaxy's Success
Finding Clues on Site Amid Party Difficulties
"Smooth Operation of Semiconductor Factories Is Livelihood"

Editor's NoteThere are 131 first-term lawmakers entering the 22nd National Assembly. This is the lowest number since the 16th National Assembly in 2000, which had 112. The public hopes that these lawmakers will lead politics of dialogue and compromise amid a situation where the ruling party is in the minority, producing tangible results. We introduce 22 elected officials expected to bring a fresh breeze to the 22nd National Assembly. ① Park Ji-hye ② Go Dong-jin

"I will change the party with Foot & Clue." Go Dong-jin, the elected member of the People Power Party for Gangnam-gu B, Seoul, emphasized on the morning of the 24th in Yeouido, Seoul, that he will find clues to solving problems on the ground for the party, which is in a difficult situation. Rather than sitting in the National Assembly office building or his office, he intends to seek out fellow lawmakers regardless of party lines and listen directly to citizens' opinions. He also expressed his desire to be remembered as a great politician by many through his political career.

On the morning of the 24th, Go Dong-jin, the elected member of the People Power Party for Gangnam-gu B district in Seoul, held an informal meeting with reporters in Yeouido, Seoul. / Photo by Go Dong-jin

Go, who served as CEO of Samsung Electronics, was the key figure behind the success of the Galaxy series. He led the wireless business division, resolved the Galaxy Note7 discontinuation crisis, and succeeded in the popularity of its successors, the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note8. Additionally, in 2019, he launched the world's first foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold, presenting a new market for smartphones. Born into a poor family, he joined Samsung Electronics as a regular employee and rose to become the CEO of a global company through his abilities.

Go Dong-jin, who has a career enviable to many, decided to start his political career around November last year. He had been contemplating how to approach his second life when he was encouraged to enter politics. The answer to his dilemma was found in the youth. Go said, "Last July, after publishing a book and receiving lecture requests, I met young people. It was the first time I saw young people outside Samsung," adding, "Samsung can provide education internally, but many companies cannot. For example, public officials have poor environments because investments are not made like in private companies." He explained, "For my second life, I decided to live as a mentor who returns my talents to young people," and added, "The future of youth is the future of Korea."

"I decided to live as a mentor"…The difference between politics and business is the 'way of taking responsibility'

At the People Power Party's talent recruitment welcome ceremony held at the National Assembly last January, former Samsung Electronics President Ko Dong-jin is delivering a greeting.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Although he waved off being a political rookie, the difference he sees between politics and business lies in how responsibility is taken. Both politics and business share a sense of crisis, but their solutions differ. Go said, "In business, when a problem occurs, instead of leaving the position, you manage the situation, set countermeasures, and ensure things keep running," adding, "In contrast, in politics, when a big issue arises, it is customary for leaders to take responsibility and step down." He continued, "In politics, every member is at a representative level. Isn't there an implicit consensus that anyone can be a leader?"

Although he recently joined the People Power Party, the people he wants to work with are those who have risen from the 'ground up' and are honest. He preferred people whose feelings show immediately on their faces when upset. He also wished to be remembered as a politician who left a mark rather than a 'political expert' whose thoughts are hard to read. Go said, "People die, and afterward, they remain in people's memories in some way. I want to be remembered as a 'great politician,'" adding, "As a politician, I want Go Dong-jin to be remembered as someone who worked hard."

"Semiconductors have become not the rice of industry but the weapon of the nation"

On the morning of the 24th, Godongjin, the elected member of the People Power Party for Gangnam-gu B, Seoul, held a casual meeting with reporters in Yeouido, Seoul. / Photo by Godongjin

Go proposed the 'Special Act on Semiconductor Industry Support' as the first bill he wants to introduce. The bill aims to provide subsidies at levels comparable to those of major competing countries to support new semiconductor facility investments and to support infrastructure development such as manpower, water, and electricity. He emphasized, "Although semiconductors account for a large part of the national economy, their prominence has declined compared to the past," adding, "Creating an environment where semiconductor factories in Pyeongtaek, Yongin, Hwaseong, etc., can operate smoothly is ultimately for the people's livelihood." He also said, "Now, semiconductors have become not the rice of industry but the weapon of the nation," and added, "The power issue in semiconductor production is very serious. Between renewable energy and semiconductor factory operations, common sense dictates that semiconductors should take priority."

As a local issue, he pledged to resolve the reverse discrimination experienced by Gangnam residents. Go said, "There are residents in Gangnam who have lived there long before development," adding, "At least there should be no reverse discrimination against those who originally lived there." He continued, "Right after the election, I told city councilors and district councilors to make a To do list," emphasizing, "It is necessary to carefully manage the list by observing the field and including the parts residents mentioned."