[Pledge Analysis] Focus on Indirect Support and Future Linkages Over Direct Aid for Traditional Manufacturing

Lee Jaemyung: "Customized AI Innovation Based on Manufacturing Data"
Kim Moonsoo: "Overhauling Regulations, Infrastructure, and Future Industry Policies"
Lee Junseok: "Strong Reshoring with Employment and Operational Guarantees"
Industry: "US-China Capability Restoration, Need for Detailed Sector-Specific Pledges"

In the 21st presidential election, major candidates are presenting strategies to foster artificial intelligence (AI) and the bioindustry, but there are few direct support measures for traditional manufacturing industries. Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party, Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party, and Lee Jun-seok of the Reform New Party are focusing their pledges on easing regulations and improving systems for traditional heavy industry and manufacturing, as well as connecting these sectors with future industries.

Lee Jae-myung has announced pledges for the growth of manufacturing through the application of advanced industries such as digital transformation, as well as regional manufacturing development strategies. He plans to promote customized AI-driven manufacturing innovation based on manufacturing data and support the digital transformation of the root industries to fundamentally change the structure of manufacturing.

Additionally, he intends to support the transition of Ulsan’s finished vehicle and parts companies to future vehicles and facilitate employment transition. He also plans to promote the transformation of the petrochemical industry into a high value-added industrial structure. As part of the K-shipbuilding policy, he has pledged to secure a lead in the smart and eco-friendly future ship market, expand the domestic market for offshore wind power vessels through an energy superhighway initiative, and advance shipbuilding manufacturing systems. In Gyeongnam, he has promised to expand AI-based smart factories, strengthen the competitiveness of high value-added ships, and increase financial support for small and medium-sized shipbuilders.

Kim Moon-soo’s key manufacturing support pledge is the so-called “Pangari Theory.” He plans to inject positive momentum into domestic manufacturing through “regulatory pangari,” “infrastructure pangari,” and “future industry policy pangari.” He has proposed the establishment of a Regulatory Innovation Office to break down industrial regulations through continuous management and oversight, and plans to create Mega Free Zones, White Zones, and Rural Free Zones to ease regional regulations. He has also announced plans to expand power infrastructure, strengthen R&D infrastructure for nurturing new industries, establish a new Economic Security Negotiation Department, and reorganize global supply chains. Additionally, he intends to integrate AI and robotics into existing industries.

Lee Jun-seok, who began his official campaign at the Kumho P&B Chemicals Plant 2 in the Yeosu Industrial Complex, Jeonnam, plans to revive domestic manufacturing through a robust reshoring (bringing overseas factories back to Korea) policy. He has pledged to encourage companies to move into industrial complexes centered on the Rust Belt (declining industrial areas) and guarantee domestic employment conditions and independent operations. His pledges also include easing regulations on foreign workers employed by companies in industrial complexes, introducing a special industrial complex visa (E-9-11) to temporarily relax minimum wage requirements, and allowing local governments and assemblies to adjust the minimum wage by up to 30% above or below the national standard.

The industrial sector has urged that, as not only advanced future industries such as AI, semiconductors, and bio but also existing industries are entering a period of upheaval, candidates should present more detailed pledges. There are concerns that, as superpowers like the United States and China emphasize restoring manufacturing capabilities, Korea could lose its competitiveness if it remains passive. An official from an economic organization said, “Traditional manufacturing itself is facing significant challenges. For example, the petrochemical and steel industries need change through restructuring or business reorganization.” Another official from an economic group added, “It is necessary to mobilize all possible policy support to strengthen manufacturing capabilities. The new government must be prepared to implement measures immediately upon taking office.”