People Power Party: "Opposition's Semiconductor Act Fast-Track Is Deception... Must Be Processed Within February"

"52-Hour Workweek Exemption Must Be Included in the Semiconductor Act"

On the 27th, the People Power Party urged that the Semiconductor Special Act, which the Democratic Party of Korea announced it would designate as a National Assembly fast-track (rapid processing agenda), "needs to be processed within February."

Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, said at a press briefing on current issues that day, "The fast-track designation of the Semiconductor Special Act is a slow track and a trick to deceive the people," adding, "Considering the reality that the semiconductor industry has entered a hyper-competitive system, 330 days is too late a time that can change fate."

Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at an economic organization meeting held at the National Assembly on the 26th to enhance shareholder rights and corporate value. 2025.2.26 Photo by Kim Hyun-min

According to the current National Assembly Act, fast-track designated agendas must be reviewed by the standing committee within 180 days and then referred to the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, which must complete a systematic and detailed review within 90 days before submitting it to the plenary session. Considering the maximum 60-day cooling-off period after submission to the plenary session before automatic scheduling, it can take up to 330 days until the plenary session.

Floor leader Kwon said, "While the National Assembly is not working, it is as if it is tying the hands of domestic companies that want to work," and urged, "The Democratic Party should please open their ears and eyes and look at how the U.S., Japan, and China are handling this."

The People Power Party insists that the Semiconductor Special Act must include an exemption clause from the 52-hour workweek for research and development (R&D) personnel. Floor leader Kwon said, "The exemption clause from the 52-hour workweek is an essential condition for the Semiconductor Special Act to be a special law," adding, "A special law without this is like salt without saltiness and sugar without sweetness."

Floor leader Kwon criticized, "The Democratic Party's contradictory behavior is solely for the election," and said, "They will claim that the Semiconductor Special Act is necessary to appeal to the moderate voters, but in reality, they keep it tied up for nearly a year while following the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions' directive that the 52-hour workweek exemption is not allowed."