Yongin Mayor Holds First Executive Meeting of the Year at Semiconductor Complex Construction Site

"Do Not Be Swayed by Calls for Relocation, Accelerate the Project"
"Semiconductors Are a National Future Agenda, Not a Regional Issue"

Yongin City in Gyeonggi Province held its first executive meeting of the new year at the site of the 'Yongin Semiconductor Cluster General Industrial Complex' in Wonsam-myeon, Cheoin-gu, where SK Hynix's production line construction is underway. This move is seen as a demonstration of the city's determination not to be swayed by recent calls from some political circles for the relocation of the semiconductor industrial complex to other regions ahead of the upcoming local elections in June.

Lee Sangil, Mayor of Yongin City, is presiding over the first executive meeting of the new year on the 6th at the 'Yongin Semiconductor Cluster General Industrial Complex' located in Wonsam-myeon, Cheoin-gu. Yongin City

On January 6, Mayor Lee Sangil of Yongin City, together with the First and Second Deputy Mayors, directors and heads of departments, and about 30 officials including those from semiconductor-related departments, conducted an on-site inspection of the progress of the Yongin Semiconductor Cluster complex. They discussed the expansion of related infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and water supply, as well as measures to address inconveniences faced by local residents.

At this complex, SK Hynix has been constructing a semiconductor production line since early last year, with the goal of beginning operations in the first half of next year. SK Hynix plans to invest 600 trillion won over the next 30 years at this site.

During the meeting, Mayor Lee strongly criticized recent arguments from certain political circles and local governments advocating for the relocation of the semiconductor complex to areas such as Saemangeum.

Mayor Lee stated, "The semiconductor project in Yongin is a national core strategic project directly linked to the future competitiveness of South Korea, beyond the interests of any particular region." He added, "It is deeply regrettable that the central government has not provided clear guidance on the recent controversy over the possible relocation of the Idong-Namsa Advanced System Semiconductor National Industrial Complex and the Wonsam-myeon Yongin Semiconductor Cluster, which is causing increased conflict between regions."

He further emphasized, "With the local elections in June approaching, the confusion being spread by some politicians for agitation must be resolved quickly," and added, "The city must not be shaken by differing opinions and should accelerate the semiconductor project as planned to ensure its smooth progress."

Mayor Lee also cautioned against the semiconductor complex becoming a source of regional conflict. He noted, "The Advanced System Semiconductor National Industrial Complex has already begun compensation procedures, and Samsung Electronics has prepared for construction and signed contracts for industrial land." He urged, "Please keep citizens accurately informed about the progress of the project and ensure that it does not appear as a cause of regional conflict."

The city also inspected, by department, issues related to traffic, environment, and public facilities arising from the SK Hynix production line construction at the site. The city plans to name the main access road to the industrial complex as 'SK-ro' and, after gathering resident opinions and completing necessary procedures, aims to install road signs by February.

In particular, to prepare for the increase in construction vehicles, four new unmanned enforcement devices will be installed and the traffic signal system will be optimized. Additionally, the city will strengthen traffic safety by establishing smart intersections and installing CCTV cameras.

On site, the progress of SK Ecoplant, which is in charge of constructing the semiconductor production line, was also reviewed. Jang Hyosik, Executive Vice President and Head of Complex Development at SK Ecoplant, stated, "Thanks to the full support of Yongin City, we achieved a 77% completion rate as of the end of last year, ahead of schedule," adding, "It is rare to see such harmonious cooperation between the city and private companies."

The city plans to continue holding on-site executive meetings to review major policy issues, starting with this executive meeting held at the site.