The semiconductor industry urged the National Assembly to pass the semiconductor special law, which includes an exception to the 52-hour workweek, on the 20th.
The Korea Semiconductor Industry Association issued a statement that day, noting, "We earnestly request that the semiconductor special law, which includes support for investment activation such as the formation of national-level semiconductor infrastructure, support for advanced semiconductor research and development, and support for strengthening the semiconductor ecosystem, be gradually discussed and passed in the National Assembly."
The association said, "Last year, we expected that the enactment of the semiconductor special law and the amendment of the tax special limitation law discussed in the National Assembly would be a groundbreaking turning point in strengthening the competitiveness of the Korean semiconductor industry," and added, "The recent passage of the amendment to the tax special limitation law in the National Assembly's Standing Committee is a very significant achievement."
The association further noted, "Given the current reality that the semiconductor industry is facing, comprehensive and systematic support at the national level and the establishment of a legal foundation across the entire semiconductor industry are urgently needed, in addition to expanding tax credits."
On the 18th, the National Assembly's Planning and Finance Committee reviewed and voted on an amendment to the tax special limitation law that centers on raising the integrated investment tax credit rate for semiconductor corporations by 5 percentage points from the current rate.
However, the special law on semiconductors failed to pass the standing committee's subcommittee as differences between the ruling and opposition parties on whether to include an exception to the 52-hour workweek could not be narrowed.